Larry W Warnell

Larry Webster Warnell, 75 of Marshalltown, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 at his home. Funeral services for Larry will be held on Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be on Monday, December 4th, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Memorials may be directed to the family. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Larry and his family. Larry and Connie Umbdenstock Croskey were united in marriage at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA on September 2nd, 2000. Larry Warnell was born on July 11, 1942 in Marshalltown to Clay and Charlcie “Marie” Godfrey Warnell. He attended grade school in Hudson, IA. Larry graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1960. He began working for Fisher Controls as a machine operator in June of 1960. He was a member of the UAW. In August of 1961, Larry enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Larry rose to the rank of Army Sargent EF-5 in an unprecedented 18 months. He served on the 3rd Infantry Old Guard. Larry was also a member of the elite 2nd Army Traveling Rifle Team where he earned numerous trophies and ribbons as well as the Expert Rifleman Badge. Larry was chosen to be one of the Best of the Best. He spent the majority of his military service in our nation’s capital. While stationed there, he participated in historic events such as John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural parade, had numerous ceremonial duties associated with President Kennedy’s four-day State funeral, and performed military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Larry was also a part of the grave control for several months following President Kennedy’s funeral. Larry’s Old Guard unit was responsible for crowd control at Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Larry thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Army and often spent time reminiscing. After his service, Larry returned to Marshalltown and continued his employment at Fisher Controls. Larry took a position with the Industrial Engineering Department, where he remained until his retirement in May of 2003. Larry spent 43 years with Fisher Controls. After his retirement, he had various jobs, the most recent as a beloved school bus driver with the Marshalltown Community School District. Larry has been an active member of the American Legion Post 46 for 51 years. He was also a member of the Marshalltown Combined Honor Guard with the VFW Post 839 and the American Legion Post 46. Larry is survived by his wife Connie, and children Jeff (Sandy) Warnell of Conrad, Shelly Brownfield of Marshalltown, and Amy (Ryan) Casey of Cedar Rapids. He is also survived by his grandchildren Katie, MaKayle, Genessa, Quincy, Mackenzie (Cody), Bailey, Phillip, Clarissa, Caleb, and Harper as well as great grandchildren Logan, Jordan, Mariah, Brooklyn, Parker, Lyric, and Emmary. He is survived by siblings Gary (Marilyn) Warnell of Marshalltown, Dick (Donna) Warnell of Marshalltown, and Terry (Trudi) Warnell of Santa Fe, NW, In-Laws Mike and Susan Umbdenstock of Montour, Deanna and Chuck Powers of Henderson, NV, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Marie, grandparents, several aunts and uncles, including his special friend, his Uncle Mac. Larry was looking forward to the next chapter of his life. Larry and Connie were planning to sell their home and travel and explore the western part of the United States. They were looking forward to visiting friends and family along the way. Larry was always up for an adventure and loved spending time with family while vacationing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. His favorite outdoor activities were golfing, hunting and fishing, traveling, and boating of any kind. Larry Warnell never knew a stranger. He would help anyone in need and he was always someone you could depend on. Larry created many lasting memories that his family and friends will cherish forever.