Vote Joe M. Parnell
for Kaufman County Commissioner Precinct 3

Joe Parnell was born and raised in Kaufman County. He attended Terrell High School until he entered the U.S. Navy at age 17. After completing his enlistment he obtained an AA Degree from San Francisco City College, a B.A. from San Francisco State College, a Master's Degree "with distinction," from California State University at Fresno and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Southern Methodist University Law School.

After law school Judge Parnell returned to active duty in the Navy as a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General's (J.A.G.) Corps. He retired from the Navy in 1991 as a full Commander. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, five (5) Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, two National Defense Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, Navy Sea Service Ribbon, five Overseas Service Ribbons, Navy Marksman Rifle Ribbon and Navy Expert Pistol Medal.

He retired on a Friday and went to work the next Monday as an Assistant District Attorney for Kaufman County. After serving Kaufman County for three years as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Judge Parnell was appointed in 1995 as judge of the County Court at Law, a newly created court. He was elected to serve as Judge of Kaufman County Court at Law in November of 1996 and was re-elected in November of 1998 to a full four-year term.

Judge Parnell had jurisdiction over felony and misdemeanor criminal cases as well as civil matters at both the district and county levels. He also served as the juvenile Judge (as well as chairing the Kaufman County Juvenile Board), mental illness Judge, and probate Judge for Kaufman County. He is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a former member of the College of the State Bar of Texas.

Joe Parnell is a past president of the Terrell Rotary Club, Past Commander and life member of the Terrell American Legion Post, Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, past board member of the Kaufman Chamber of Commerce, member of the Terrell Chamber of Commerce. He is a Master Mason, Shriner and member of the Scottish Rite and Eastern Star. He also belongs to the Kaufman Lions Club and the Pilot Club of Terrell. He is past chairman and committee member of Boy Scout Troop 390 of Terrell. Parnell is licensed to practice law in all Texas courts, Federal District Court, United States Court of Military Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Joe Parnell has been a member of the First Christian Church of Terrell for over 40 years. In 1997 the Terrell Ministers Union named Parnell "Humanitarian of the Year."

Joe Parnell has teaching experience at Fresno State University and was an adjunct professor with the University of Maryland. Joe Parnell is teaching Criminal Justice classes as an adjunct professor at Trinity Valley Community College in Terrell. 

Joe Parnell has experience as a police officer, probation officer, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, teacher and three terms as a judge. This broad, in-depth background clearly makes him the best qualified and most experienced person to be the next County Commissioner Precinct 3 for Kaufman County. Your vote will be greatly appreciated.