Robert Benedum Parriott

Parriott, Robert Benedum, 91, former civic and business leader and owner of Triad Drilling Company, died Thursday, August 28, 2008. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Martha, and grandson, Brian Reid Lightner. He is survived by daughter, Winnette Berger (James) of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter, Jeannette Fuller (William Jr.) of Boca Raton, FL; grandchildren, Kristin Clancy (William), William Fuller III (Annette), Grant Robert Fuller, and great-granddaughter, Ava Martha Clancy. Robert was born on October 1, 1916, in Pittsburgh, PA, and spent much of his early life in Cameron, WV, and Orlando, FL. He graduated with distinction from Staunton Military Academy in Charles Town, West VA. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Finance in 1936. He met his wife, Martha, at the University of Texas and they were married in 1939. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1940 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was called to active duty in the Army in January of 1942 and reported to Ft. Benning, GA, as a First Lt. in the Infantry. He fought for 210 days in the European Theater and he was promoted to Lt. Colonel and Commander of the 80th Tank Battalion in 1945, becoming the youngest Lt. Colonel to serve under General Patton. He was rewarded for his service with the Combat Infantry Badge; 6 battle stars for North France, Ardennes, Central Germany; Rhineland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia; the Russian Medal of Distinguished Service in Germany; and two Bronze Stars for bravery in action for the Battle of the Bulge; the second with Oak Leaf Cluster. Following the war, he moved to Wichita and co-formed the Stickle Drilling Company which was renamed Triad Drilling Company in 1975. He co-founded the Wichita Petroleum Club, served on its Board, and served a term as President of the Wichita Club. He served on the Board of the Kansas Independent Petroleum Assn. and as a Director of Sunray DX Oil Company, as well as serving with many civic groups. Many individuals and groups were the beneficiaries of his generosity, often anonymously. One of his passions was helping those less fortunate to receive an education. He was a strong supporter of the Helping Hands program at Grace Presbyterian Church where he was a member. He and his wife, Martha, were significant contributors to the establishment and growth of Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, where a memorial has been established in Marthas name. The family will receive friends at his residence at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, August 30. The family owes a debt of gratitude to the many loving caregivers who contributed to his quality of life. Memorial gifts may be made in lieu of flowers to Butler Community Colleges Nursing Scholarship Fund, 901 S. Haverhill Rd., El Dorado, KS 67042. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.