Parnell Farrar was born on July 1, 1923, in Speegleville, Texas to Amanda Carter Farrar and Benjamin Franklin Farrar. He passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in Greenville, Texas. Parnell grew up in Waco, Texas, along with his older sister Mary Ella, his twin brother Cordell and younger brother Benjamin Franklin Farrar, Jr.
During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator and mechanic. After returning from the service, he worked for 39 years at General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco, Texas. For years, he resided at Axtell, Texas with his first wife, Dora Mae “Dean” Turner, whom he married in January, 1943. She preceded his in death.
On September 23, 1961, he married Larlene Cochrum Thetford. Until they moved from Axtell to Greenville in January, 2004, both Parnell and Larlene were particularly active in the Axtell Baptist Church where Parnell was ordained as a deacon in June, 1958. In addition to his commitment to his church, Parnell served for years as a director of the Axtell Water Supply Board.
Parnell was preceded in death by his first wife, Dean, his parents, his sister Mary Ella and his brother Cordell. He is survived by his wife Larlene Farrar, his brother Benjamin Farrar, step-children Sandra Willingham and Felix Thetford and many relatives.
Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 20, 2016 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel will Rev. Brad Cardwell officiating. Graveside services will follow at 4:00 PM, Friday at Rosemound Cemetery in Waco, Texas. Visitation will be 9:00 AM until service time, Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Gene Farrar, Lynn Everett, Stephen Everett, David Farrar, Robert Thetford and Felix Thetford.