Ronald Joe Parnell, 77, of Sullivan, Indiana passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

He was born on February 19, 1947, in Sullivan, Indiana the son of Melvin Parnell and Opal Ladson Parnell. Ron graduated from Carlisle High School in 1965. He was an Army veteran who served 3 years of active service with one year in Vietnam. Ron was a lifelong coalminer and worked for AMAX Coal and then Peabody Coal. He was a member of the Sullivan First Presbyterian Church, Sullivan American Legion and Sullivan VFW.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Parnell.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Kay Parnell, two daughters; Melissa McCloud (Sean) of Bolingbrook, Illinois and Stephanie Selimos (Tom) of Elmhurst, Illinois and three grandchildren; Samantha McCloud, George Selimos and Caitlin Selimos. He is also survived by his dog, Rusty.

Visitation will be from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Sullivan First Presbyterian Church located at 201 N Main Street, Sullivan, Indiana 47882. Funeral services will immediately follow at the church with Rev. Dawn Black officiating. Graveside services with family and close friends will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Center Ridge Cemetery in Sullivan, Indiana with a Military graveside service by the Sullivan County Honor Guard.

For those attending Ron’s service the family encourages you to wear clothing representing his favorite teams such as Indiana Hoosiers, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Indy 500, or patriotic apparel.

In lieu of flowers the family requested memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Wounded Warrior Project - Donate.