GENE PARROTT Osceola Gene Edwin Parrott, 80, of Osceola died Saturday, September 27, 2014 of pancreatic cancer. Gene was born August 7, 1934 to Glade A. and Dorothy L. (Palmer) Parrott in rural Afton, IA. Following a move to Des Moines, Gene graduated from East High School in 1953. Gene joined the United States Army and served as a Crew Chief on helicopters. Following his honorable discharge in 1956, Gene was employed by Armstrong Tire and Rubber/Pirelli Tire and retired in 1993 with forty years of service. Gene was an avid race car fan. In the mid 1960's he owned and built a sprint car that raced at the Knoxville Speedway. In later years he enjoyed following the World of Outlaw racing and camping during the Knoxville Nationals. Gene attended the Indianapolis 500 annually and since 1972, only missed two races. He was a dedicated member of the Lions Club of New Virginia; and the American Legion Post 281 of New Virginia. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; an infant twin brother Dean, and sister Mardale Vos. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; their children, Elizabeth "Lisa" (Scott) Baker and Brian Parrott; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Andrea) Sanzani-Bocci, Malinda (Aaron) Malcolm, and Adam (fiancé Ashley White) Baker; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Kennedy, Brogan and Jillian. The family is respecting Gene's final request that no services take place.