Frank Parrett

Our world has become a lot less bright with the loss of our dear Frank.

Frank C. Parrett entered the world at Leavenworth, Kansas on March 15, 1936. He was the third child born to Glen and Katherine (Shortridge) Parrett, joining sisters Olive Mae and Dorothy. His brother Robert (Gus) followed a few years later. Frank moved as a youth with his family to Haddam, Kansas and thereafter forever considered it his hometown. After completing his education there he found his niche in alfalfa and feed commodity trading. He was a selfmade man and thrived in this industry, cultivating lifelong friendships and contacts as only Frank could. He never met a stranger. He began his career in Yaggy, Kansas, moving in 1960 to Consolidated Blenders and then to Hillside Dehy in Uehling, Nebraska in 1963. Frank eventually became part owner of Scribner Alfalfa in the early 1970s. Among his many adventures is surviving an alfalfa pellet fire, during which he sustained significant injuries. Frank eventually sold his business and worked for Switzer Trading, moving and trading grain commodities from 1987 to 2001. He was even lured from his retirement by Tallgrass Commodities in Wamego, Kansas to help mentor the staff and grow the company. He cherished the friends that he made there and so enjoyed working into his sunset years.

Frank was blessed with two long marriages. He wed Francisca “Frisco” Quinn on March 17, 1956. They were married for 45 years, until her death on April 18, 2001. They had no children. Frank acquired a ready-made family upon his marriage to Alberta K. Lallak on September 19, 2003. He cherished her children and grandchildren as his own. He was a devoted husband, father and “Papa Frank.” He and Alberta spent their best years together, traveling the world by boat, plane, train and RV. He was a fixture for many years in row 10 at Country Stampede and enjoyed playing Pitch, Pinochle, Poker (really, any and all card games!) and Pegs & Jokers with family and dear friends.

Frank was a character, full of pithy comments and astute observations about life, all the while befriending those in his path, from neighbors and co-workers, to store clerks and wait staff at restaurants. We always got special attention with Frank around! While he yearned to be home, his last days spent at Wellsprings of Westmoreland, Kansas were enriched by new friendships with the staff and fellow residents. The nursing staff there reported that if he wasn’t harassing them, they knew something was wrong.

Frank is survived by his wife, Alberta Lallak- Parrett, his children Steve (Deb) Shepek, Todd (Siri) Shepek and Johnette Shepek, four grandchildren, Erin (Kyle) Hedrick, John (Ashley) Shepek, Tim (Jenna) Shepek and Kaylee (Trent) Ulbrich, eight great-grandchildren, Kailee and Aiden Shepek, Wyatt, Audrey, Grace and Sophie Hedrick and Ava and Beckett Shepek, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank delighted in the antics of his beloved dogs over the years— Clarence (a female, in spite of her name), Winnie Pooh and Maggie. His most contented moments were when he was driving the roads of Nebraska with Clarence perched on the seatback behind him or snuggled into his recliner with Winnie or Maggie on his lap.

Frank had a big personality and an even bigger heart. He will be so missed by those who loved him.

The family will greet friends during a visitation from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Friday April 5, 2024 at the Yorgensen- Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday April 5, 2024 at the Yorgensen-Meloan- Londeen Funeral Home. Private inurnment will be at a later date.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to either Wellsprings of Westmoreland or Purple Power Animal Welfare Society. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan- Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Online condolences may be left at www.ymlfuneralhome. com

Washington County News • Mar 28, 2024