Funeral services for Kenneth Wayne Parnell, Sr., age 75, of Choudrant, LA will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 23, 2022 at New Hope Baptist Church in Choudrant with Rev. Dwayne Monk officiating. Burial will follow in the New Hope Cemetery in Choudrant under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Wayne was born January 19, 1947 to Helen Chrisman and Harold Parnell, and he entered the gates of Heaven October 19, 2022. He was a veteran who found it to be an honor to serve his country. Wayne was a member of the United States Army from 1969-1971, served in the 101st Airborne Division, served in the Vietnam War, and served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1981-1992 in the 527th Engineer Battalion. He was a lifelong resident of Choudrant and was an integral part of the community and his church, where he served as a Deacon. Wayne’s commitment to his Lord, family, and community was evident in his life. “Pawpaw” treasured all of his grandchildren and enjoyed taking an active part in their lives.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 54 years Joyce Parnell; children: Kenny Parnell and wife Beverly, Rick Parnell and wife Katie, and Bobby Parnell and wife Lexie; grandchildren: Aaron and wife Leslie, Amber, Adam, Victoria, and William; great-grandchildren Luke and Audrey; sisters: Jean and husband James White, Louise Greenstock, and Becky and husband HJ Lowery; brothers Layne Parnell and wife Rosemary and Harold Parnell and wife Sharon; and a host of beloved family members and lifelong friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne’s grandsons Aaron Parnell and Adam Parnell; nephews Eric Parnell and James Hicks; great-nephew Nick White; and cousin David Chrisman.
Visitation will be held from 1:30-3:00 PM, Sunday, October 23, 2022 at New Hope Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to New Hope Baptist Cemetery, New Hope Baptist Church, or Ruston American Legion. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
