Dr. Ned Parrett

Dr. Ned Albert Parrett, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected Meat Scientist, lover of popcorn and Buckeye athletics, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in Dublin, Ohio, at the age of 85. Born on November 8, 1939, in Logansport, Indiana, to Sam and Dorotha Parrett, Ned was raised on a family farm, where his passion for agriculture took root. He often recalled riding the milk truck with his father, delivering milk throughout the community, and he carried those early values of hard work and dedication throughout his life. A talented high school basketball player, Ned went on to study agriculture at Purdue University, where he met his future wife, Mary Elizabeth Johansen. The two were married on August 24, 1963, beginning a 61-year partnership marked by love, loyalty, and joyful adventures. Ned earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University and went on to build a distinguished career as a professor of Meat Science in the Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University. He took deep pride in his work. He often served as a meat judge for competitions throughout Ohio, sharing his deep expertise with students and professional meat processors. For many years, he proudly served as a carcass judge at the Ohio State Fair, where his precision, fairness, and attention to detail earned him lasting respect in the field. After retiring from OSU, Ned continued to lend his knowledge at the Herman Falter Packing Company, where he served as the Director of Regulatory Affairs. Ned was a man of many passions. A devoted Buckeye fan, he held season tickets to Ohio State basketball for over two decades. He loved all sports and could always be counted on for a thoughtful, in-depth conversation about the previous night’s college or professional football, basketball, or baseball game. He made a perfect bowl of popcorn daily and shared it faithfully with his family and dogs. During the holidays, he led the cherished family tradition of making Buckeye candy, and throughout the rest of the year, he satisfied his family’s sweet tooth with his signature homemade fudge. Ned was also a deeply devoted volunteer in both his community and church. A faithful member of Linworth United Methodist Church, he attended weekly services and lived his faith through action. In retirement, he especially enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity, participating in several homebuilding projects. He found great fulfillment in rolling up his sleeves to help others — an extension of the quiet generosity and humility that defined his life. He and Mary enjoyed retirement to the fullest — traveling to see polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, and exploring the plains of Tanzania on safari. Together, they joined the Rhythm Reelers square dancing club, where they enjoyed the company and fellowship of other dancers. He took pride in every detail of their home life — from tackling improvement projects himself, to planting a thriving vegetable garden, to maintaining a well-stocked garage freezer of meat, and caring for his lawn with great attention. Above all, Ned was a dedicated, patient, and loving father to his daughters and granddaughters. He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters Coreen (Ronald) Janetzke and Colleen Murphy (Peter Kennealey); and granddaughters Elizabeth and Caroline Kennealey. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life is planned at Friendship Village of Dublin on July 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. Contributions in his memory can be made to Habitat for Humanity MidOhio: https://www.habitatmidohio.org/

Dr. Ned Parrett

November 8, 1939 - July 17, 2025