Kenneth Parmley

Kenneth Parmley, retired Math professor from Texarkana Community College, died on January 23, 2024, in Waco, Texas at age 96. He endured several health challenges with resilience and persistence to the end. A Memorial Service with Celebration Bingo will be held at Stilwell Retirement Residence in Waco on Saturday, February 3rd at 2 pm.

Kenneth was born in Wichita Falls, TX, on June 29, 1927, to Laura Siler and Roy Parmley. After many moves through his early schooling, he graduated from Logansport, Louisiana, in 1944. He obtained his bachelor’s degree at Stephen F. Austin State University following a stint in the Navy during World War II. After working in various small towns as a football coach and math teacher, he completed graduate studies in Mathematics at Louisiana State University in 1964. Kenneth also participated in summer programs at East Texas State University, Emory University and University of Washington. Though he considered educational administrative opportunities, his passion was teaching Math which he did until his retirement in 1985.

Kenneth married Carolyn Hill on January 22, 1954, in Logansport after a three-month courtship. They had three daughters with whom he enjoyed camping in their pop-up tent camper. Being a two-earner family, Kenneth gladly helped with daily chores including laundry, cooking and driving carpools, which is notable for his generation.

Kenneth loved games and puzzles and was an avid football fan, golfer and woodworker with ensuing gifts to family and friends. Sudoku, 42 and Bingo with his newfound ‘family’ group at Stilwell Retirement Residence over the last 9 years kept him active.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Hill Parmley; his parents, siblings, and son-in-law, Davis Palmer.

He is survived by three daughters, Kristi SoRelle and husband, Don, Kathy Palmer, and Tricia DeJonge and husband, Bob; grandchildren, Loren DeJonge Schulman, Carly DeJonge Spraberry, Jeff SoRelle, Zach Palmer, Brad SoRelle, and Kali Palmer; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Stilwell Retirement Residence, 5400 Laurel Lake Drive, Waco, TX 76710.