DURBY PARNELL

Durby Ray Parnell, 69, died of natural causes on Sept. 20, 2001, at a home in Wasilla.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave., in Wasilla. No formal services are planned.

Mr. Parnell was born Aug. 1, 1932, in the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. He was a graduate of Wyandotte High School. He came to Alaska April 10, 1995. He resided in the Big Lake area.

He was retired, but had worked at many and various occupations. His family said he enjoyed working on all things, especially building. He liked to play the guitar, take drives to see new things, garden and visit with people over the Internet.

His family said: "He helped a lot of people out. He always took time out for anyone that needed help. Durby had a close relationship with God and had many friends. He will be missed by everyone whose life he had touched. You couldn't meet a finer person that Mr. Parnell, who was loved by everyone."

He is survived by his brother, Jimmy Leroy Parnell of Bend, Ore.; sister, Carolyn Tyrrell of Wasilla; sons, Steven Gene Parnell and Gerry Lynn Parnell of Big Lake; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.