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JOSEPH H. PARNELL, SR. (Maj. USAF Ret.), WWII and Korean War Veteran, died May 23, 2006, at Parkview Hospital, Pueblo, CO, where he was a patient at the VA Nursing Home Care Unit. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, Doris, of the family home in Tijeras, NM; son, Samuel S. (Laura) Parnell; granddaughters, Jessica Bryant and Amanda Parnell; and great-granddaughter, Aubrey D'Angelo. Also a sister, Mildred, who resides in an assisted living facility in Alabama; and many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brother-in-law. Predeceased by his son, Joseph H. Parnell, Jr., 1st Lt. U.S. Army - Helicopter Pilot, whose remains are interred in Fort Logan Cemetery. Joseph was born January 7, 1920, in Munford, AL, where he attended school. He was drafted into the military one day before Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Joseph served his country 23 years. He was among the first American servicemen to serve in England. From there he entered flight training, winning his wings in February 1944, and his commission as 2nd Lt. He served in China, Japan, Korea, and Germany with his last assignment at Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, where he was Aircraft Commander of KC135, refueling B-52s during the Cold War. He retired from active duty June 1, 1964, with the status of command pilot. Joseph earned many medals including: Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two oakleaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Korean War Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and many campaign and service awards. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. His remains will be interred on June 9, 2006, 10:00 a.m., at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO, with full military honors. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
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