DOWNEY – Francis Parmley, 81, of Downey, passed away at his home Saturday, August 8, 1998.

He was born to Andrew Pearl and Frances Gladys Parmley in Paradox, Colorado. As a young child his family lived and worked in several areas of western Colorado. He spent much of his childhood with his grandparents on their ranch near Paonia, Colorado. He became an expert horseman at a very early age.

In 1943 he married Margie Owensby. He spent most of his life involved with cattle ranching. He was a herdsman for Harris Hereford Ranch in Gunnison, Colo., the Circle B Ranch in Santa Rosa, Calif, and the Harrison Angus Ranch in Potter Valley, Calif.

From 1967-1977 he leased the Circle X Ranch in Potter Valley, and raised cattle and hay. He also worked for an irrigation company. He was involved in the community, and was a 4-H leader. In 1977 he moved to Pocatello, and later to Downey.

He spent his late years riding, fishing, camping, hunting and making friends. In 1990 he participated in the reenactment of the Pony Express, and was honored as the oldest rider.

He is survived by four children, M. Joyce (Cecil) Hopwood of Kimberly, Idaho, Andrew J. Parmley of Aurora, Colorado, M. Jeanne (Ed) Tipler of Ridgecrest, California, and Donald (DeDe) Parmley of Ukiah, California; and a very special friend, Carol (Wayne) Newbold of Pocatello. He also has 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 14, 1998 at 2 p.m. in the Marsh Valley Funeral Home, 570 N. Meadowview in Arimo. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Downey City Cemetery.