Frankie Ralph Parrott

On May 14, 2020, Frankie Ralph Parrott, a beloved father and grandfather, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 86.  He was born on July 3, 1933, in Quincy, Illinois to the late Charles Franklin and Rose Gertrude Parrott.  Frankie was raised predominantly in Bloomington, Indiana during the Great Depression and World War II.

After completing high school, Frankie went on to dedicate over ten years to the United States Military.  He served in two branches, Navy and Air Force. After enlisting in the Navy in 1951, he received his U.S. Naval Air Technical Training in Jacksonville, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee.   Upon completion of his training he was stationed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island as an aviation machinist.  During the time he was stationed in Rhode Island, Frankie attended a Navy dance where he met his future wife and was married in 1954.  In 1955, he moved branches to the Air Force where he worked his way up the ranks as Staff Sergeant stationed at Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, and Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita County, Texas.  He was honorably discharged in 1961.

Following his military service, Frankie entered the private sector starting with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as an aircraft mechanic.  When presented with an opportunity to move his family to the Midwest, his career transitioned to Technical Writing and Informatics.  Frankie worked at Massey Ferguson, an American manufacturer of agricultural equipment, Hurco Companies, Inc., an industrial technology company specializing in interactive computer controls, and Thinkpath Engineering Services.

Of all of his accomplishments, Frankie was most proud of and loved his family.  He was a devoted husband and father who prioritized his family needs ahead of his own.  Frankie was a pillar of strength and support for his children and grandchildren, and a friend and mentor to many.  His family will be forever grateful for his guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love.  He was dedicated to faith and was a member of Holy Spirit at Geist for over 13 years. Prior, he was a member of Saint Simon the Apostle since 1963.  In his free time, Frankie was a passionate gardener, avid reader, creative woodworking hobbyist, and animal lover. He enjoyed classic movies, Harry Potter novels, and sporting events, but most notably the nurturing relationship with all of his grandchildren.

Frankie is survived by his three beloved children Marybeth Downing, Susan (Eric) von Grimmenstein, and Edward (Amy) Parrott; four dearly loved grandchildren, Ryan, Scott, Madalyn, and Elizabeth; and his canine companion Apollo.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Marie Louise (Hildebrand) Parrott.  Frankie was the last survivor of his five older siblings:  Stanley H. and Charles L. Parrott, Margie R. Hart, Helen B. Kinser, and Mary Rose Hanlin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor’s choice.

Services will be private.