Alan Parcells

Alan Jerome Parcells, age 93, of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 14, 2022, at Maple Ridge Manor of Lowell under the loving care of his family and Careline Hospice. The son of George Stanley & Sudie Kathryn (Ratliff) Parcells, he was born on January 29, 1929 in Los Angeles, California. Alan was a decorated veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War where he served in the Army Medical Corps (in a M.A.S.H. unit). He received an Army Occupation Medal (Japan), a Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star and a Combat Medical Badge. After his service to his country, he obtained a doctorate degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, courtesy of the G.I. Bill. After spending a year doing research at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, he became a research scientist with The Upjohn Company, co-authoring a number of research papers and retiring in 1990 after thirty-one years with the company. While at Upjohn, he was active in the development of ATGAM, which is currently used for the treatment of aplastic anemia. Alan was very active in People's Church, serving twice as a trustee as well as editing the newsletter for seven years. Alan was a member of the American Chemical Society since 1959. He was also a past president of the Kalamazoo Model Railroad Club and has been interested in steam and electric railroading for over 60 years. He enjoyed classical music and participated as a volunteer in several Gilmore Keyboard Festivals. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lynne (Williams) Parcells. He is survived by two daughters, Barbara Parcells, San Diego, CA and Carolyn Parcells, of Idaho, her son Andrew Phillips, also of Idaho; his wife Virginia (Benike) Parcells; stepchildren, Dr. Christopher Gunnell (Val), Mary Bailey, Therese Reva, and David Gunnell; step grandchildren Kaitlyn Gunnell, Kaj Gunnell, Aubrey Meconi, Vincent Meconi, Darrin Reva, Celina Newton (Adam), Luke Gunnell, Joshua Gunnell; step great grandchildren Royce Reva, Hendrix Newton, and Haelynn Newton. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place and memorial contributions may be made to People's Church of Kalamazoo. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638, honored providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alan Parcells, please visit our flower store.