Darrell Kent Parrish

Darrell Kent Parrish, 88, passed away on April 9, 2025, after a 10-year battle with Parkinson's. Darrell was born in Louisville, KY on November 21, 1936, to the late Benjamin A. and Maude A. (Hartman) Parrish. Darrell grew up in Shepherdsville, KY, after graduating from SHS, class of 1954, worked a short time for TECON ENGRS during construction of the KY Turnpike. In January 1955, he joined the Army and upon completing basic training at Fort Knox, was accepted by the US Army Security Agency and attended the ASA School in Fort Devens, MA. After graduation as a Morse Code Intercept Operator, he was stationed at Herzo Base outside of Herzogenaurach, Germany from November 1955 to November 1957. Darrell played basketball, fast-pitch softball and flag football on the Herzo Base teams, playing against other Company level military teams in Germany and winning several basketball and football tournaments. In addition to extensive travel in Germany, he also visited: France (Paris), England (London), Italy (Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Naples, Old City of Pompeii, and the Isle of Capri), Denmark (Copenhagen), Austria and Belgium. In 2002, Darrell attended the Annual Herzo National Reunion for the first time and was invited to join the Reunion Committee. In 2007 he took over the publication of Annual Herzo Base National Directory and in 2010 accepted the position of Committee Treasurer which he held until 2024. After receiving his Release from Military Active Duty in January 1958, he worked for the Bullitt County Board of Education Maintenance Department until enrolling at the University of Kentucky. In 1965, with a Mechanical Engineering degree in hand, he married a lovely lady. Rosemary (Rosie) Donovan and began a 30-year career at Louisville Gas and Electric Co. During his career with LG&E, Darrell had several positions including Chief Mechanical Engineer in Special Construction and Project Manager for several large construction projects including construction of Units 3 & 4 at the Mill Creek Power Plant. Darrell held the position of Division Manager, Gas Engineering, when he retired. Darrell and Rosie were blessed with two terrific sons, Kent (1973) and Chad (1975). It wasn't long until they became involved in Scouts, Rosie as Cub Scout Den Mother, and Darrell as a Cub Master, Scout Merit Badge Counsellor and Unit Commissioner. Darrell was also involved with the boys in youth athletics and coached tee-ball, basketball and soccer. He was active in the Highview Jaycees and received a Distinguished Service Award in 1977 for Outstanding Community Service, and in 1984, he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by then Governor Martha Layne Collins. When not involved in youth sports, the family loved traveling and camping. Darrell also enjoyed bowling in the LG&E Company League, playing golf and tennis, woodworking, computer graphics, UK sports and dancing. He and Rosie were UK season ticket holders for both basketball and football and were members of the Rat Racers of Louisville dance club. Darrell published the Rat Racer Newsletter, served as a Membership Chair and Treasurer for a period and held the office of President the last 18 years the club was active.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his lovely wife, Rosie; sons Kent (Kimmy) and Chad (Jennifer); sisters Linda Ross of Shepherdsville, KY and Janet White of Fernandina Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Logan, Julia and Evan; a niece, Leslie Gillette (Asa); great-niece, Cadie Gillette; great-nephew, Maddie Gillette; and two grand dogs, Sookie and Winston. Funeral service will be conducted at 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the chapel of Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (Preston Highway at Brooks Road) with cremation to follow. Friends may pay their respects on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 1:00 pm until the time of service, 5:00 pm, at the funeral home.