Darwin Henry Parrott Sr.

     D. H. Parrott lived a simple, but productive life. The oldest of three boys; his Mother and Brothers knew a few years of prosperity as they traveled through East Texas as their Dad, L. D., setup and operated sawmills with his Brothers. While in this endeavor L. D. contracted viral encephalitis and died about two years later, leaving a young wife and sons, 8, 6, and 4. As a boy, D. H. and his Mother picked cotton in a field off of the Logansport Highway. Over the years he worked various jobs including selling cokes at ball games, and delivering groceries. He also helped his Grandfather, (affectionately known as Papa Nail, a Veterinarian) working in his garden. As a boy and youth, D. H. loved to watch sports. He got to travel to the Fort Worth “Fat Stock Show” as a member of the FFA. He graduated from Center High School in 1941.

     During World War II, D. H. was working with his Uncle James Nail, at Levingston Shipyard in Orange, Texas. He returned to Center where he joined the U. S. Navy, a decision that took him to Alaska, and on to the South Pacific. Because “P” is further back in the alphabet, he was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Portland, rather than the ill-fated U.S.S Indianapolis. D. H. was reassigned to the small aircraft carrier, U.S.S Saginaw Bay and saw action in the Battles of Leyte Gulf, Palau, and Iwo Jima. Seaman First Class Parrott was honorably discharged on November 6, 1945. Returning to civilian life, he and his Aunt Lois attended Nacogdoches Business College where he was awarded a Diploma. He moved to Houston and worked in a furniture manufacturing plant and for Reed Rollerbit.

     He married Patsy Ruth Parker at Greens Bayou Assembly of God in 1949 and by 1953 they had Darwin and Janice, and were enjoying the house he would live in until his death. Most of his years were spent working for Todd Shipyards Houston Division where he advanced from Timekeeper to Cost Accountant to Paymaster. When Todd ceased operations, D. H. was one of a few employees kept on until the end. Always a diligent worker, Before and after retiring from Todd, D. H. delivered newspapers and phone books. He later worked for Joe D. Hughes Trucking, sold carpet padding. He gathered and sold scrap metal until he was 89 years old. At 84, he broke his hip while roofing his house. After surgery and rehab, he and Darwin finished roofing the house and an adjacent building. He was meticulous in paying his bills. He valued hard work, neatness, and punctuality. Known as Grandpa, D. H. loved his Grandkids and Great Grandkids, and had a special nickname for each of them. He was an avid Houston Sports fan, attending Galena Park Football and Basketball Games, Houston Buffs, Oilers and Colt .45s, and Astros. He was a fan of the Rockets, U of H, and Baylor Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and enjoyed winning at checkers and dominoes. In his last years he was unable to attend Church services. He enjoyed watching and listening Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart’s Sunday Morning Service. He listened attentively to the reading of God’s Word and liked to hold hands for nightly prayer before bedtime.

       D. H. was a thankful person, and despite loneliness, and near blindness, rarely complained. His missed Patsy, his Mother, and his Brothers. He was always glad to see visitors and enjoyed phone calls. The best thing Daddy did for us is to leave us a testimony of receiving Jesus and living for Him. He is in Heaven with Jesus and his loved ones and friends. We await our reunion with him. I hope You have received Jesus and are ready to meet him. If not, “Today is the day of salvation!” Turn from your sins, and trust Him as your Lord and Savior! Live for Jesus….That’s what matters. 

  A visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 29, 2021 from 11:30am to 1pm in the Funeral Home Chapel of Blackwell & Vazquez. We will then follow in funeral procession to Houston National Cemetery where Darwin will be laid to rest and re-united with his darling wife Patsy.

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