Vernon Eli Parnell

Eli's life was centered on his faith in Christ. He attended Friend's Bible College, and earned a Bachelor's Degree attending Friend's University. While at Friend's Bible College, he met Veda, and they were married on December 21, 1953.

While attending Friends University, Eli and Veda helped establish the Derby Friends Church. Eli worked as a carpenter for the Wichita Public School system for 37+ years. He used his carpentry skills even after he retired for numerous different projects.

Eli was very service oriented and was always willing to help with disaster cleanups, church building; along with various community service projects. Wherever he saw a need for help, he was always there.

After the death of Veda in 2011, he married Shirley Packard of Walsh, Colorado, and eventually moved to the Walsh community where he attended Walsh Baptist Church. During his free time, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, lapidary, and gardening.

He is preceded in death by: his parents; his wife of 56 years, Veda Josephine (Arndt); his siblings, Harold, Verl "Corky", and Nadene; his second wife of 10 years, Shirley Jo (Packard); along with his step-daughter, Vicki Acre.

He is survived by: his children, Deb (Lowell) Franz, Steve (Liz) Parnell, Phil (Janise) Parnell, and David (Alexa) Parnell; his step-children, Kim (Ronny) Tate, Kay (Ed) Selman, Alan (Cindy) Packard, and Dean (Gwen) Packard; along with over 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

Graveside Service will be held 9:30 AM on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Friends, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita. Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Ridgepoint Church, 8000 West 21st Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67205.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Church Missions of Ridgepoint Church, 8000 West 21st Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67205 or to Walsh Baptist Church, 103 East Maplewood Street, Walsh, Colorado 81090.