Jacob Eli Parnell

Jacob Eli Parnell, 21, of Jefferson, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Perry Chapel, 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, also at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Perry Chapel. Burial will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Jacob was born on October 18, 2004, in Boone, Iowa, the son of Aimee (Reeser) Parnell and Jason Parnell. He grew up in the Perry area and graduated from Greene County High School in Jefferson with the Class of 2023. Throughout the years, Jacob worked at Hy-Vee and the Woodward Resource Center. Most recently, he worked for Central Iowa Towing, a job he truly enjoyed.

He was an outgoing and fun-loving young man who had a way of making friends wherever he went. He was funny, a bit of a jokester, and someone everyone loved being around. Jacob was an avid skateboarder and enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and kayaking. He also enjoyed playing video games and was always willing to try something new-even recently buying himself a snowboard. Whether he was out with friends, spending time outdoors, or hanging out with those closest to him, Jacob knew how to have a good time and usually brought plenty of laughter along with him.

Above all else, Jacob loved his family. His son, Levi, held a special place in his heart. Jacob’s outgoing personality, sense of humor, and love for those closest to him will be deeply missed by the many family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Jacob is survived by his parents, Aimee Parnell of Perry, and Jason and Angie Parnell of Jefferson; his son, Levi Kares of Grimes; his siblings, Karen Parnell of Carroll; Paul Parnell, currently stationed aboard CVN-79; Charity Parnell of Jefferson; Liam Trenary of Jefferson; Ryan, David, and Gabriel of Perry; and Emma Parnell of Jefferson; his nephew, Tytus Jones of Carroll; his maternal grandparents, Harold Reeser and Vicki Landis; and his paternal grandparents, Steve and Liz Parnell of Perry, Karen and Dan Parks of Garden City, Kansas, and Craig and Luann Nekvinda of Fort Dodge.

He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, extended family members, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.