An informal service for Ben J. Parrett will be held 1 to 4 p.m. today, Feb. 7, at Parrten Products at 6650 La Contenta Road in Yucca Valley. A 68-year resident of California and a 37-year resident of Yucca Valley, Mr. Parrett died in his home Feb. 4, 2008. His family attributed his death to a broken heart after losing his wife of 59 years, Elinor Parrett, 10 months ago. A Texas native, he was born April 28, 1928. Mr. Parrett served six years in the United States Navy as a tailgunner in World War II. A machinist for 55 years, in 1972 he opened Parrten Products, which machined for the defense and aerospace industry. Mr. Parrett was proud to have made parts that are still on the moon today. He founded the Hi-Desert Rod and Gun Club in 1977 and recently was honored with a lifetime membership. He was a volunteer at the Hi-Desert Medical Center emergency department for six years. Mr. Parrett is survived by sons Howard W. Parrett of Joshua Tree and John Parrett of Star City, Ark., daughters Melody Snee of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dayle Palagyi of Thousand Palms, brother Howard Parrett of Spokane, Wash., grandchildren John Parrett and Dena LaRue of Joshua Tree, Justin Parrett and Debra Good of Yucca Valley, Jennifer Garland, Kristy Godwin and Melissa Knapp of Ft. Worth, Texas, Amy Parrett of Booneville, Miss., Kelly Carter of San Bernardino and Jason Carter of Henderson, Nev. 14 great-grandchildren and a 15th on the way. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Parrett's family requests donations be made to the Hi-Desert Medical Center Auxiliary.