Larry David Pennel, age 65 of Springfield, MO died on January 19, 2013 after a three year battle with colon cancer. He was a healthcare executive for 25 years and for the past seven years he and his family have owned and operated Monarch Children’s Academy in Springfield. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Springfield and a charter member and Elder of River Bluff Fellowship in Springfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Opal Pennel; his wife, Joyce (Grann) Pennel and a brother, Lawrence P. Pennel. He is survived by his wife, Paula R. Pennel; daughter, Courtney M. Young (Jake) of Springfield; brothers, Franklin H. (Patsy) of Springfield, Don E.
(Cheryl) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Leon C. (Judy) of Branson West, MO; T. Gayle (Diane) of Wheeling, IL; sisters, T. Carlene of Ozark, MO and Rebecca D. Young of Springfield; sisters-in-law, Georgia Herod (Jim) of Liberty, MO and Linda Gossett of Springfield; and brother-in-law, Martin Grann of Springfield. He is also survived by twelve nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews; a large extended family and a host of friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 10:30 a.m., at River Bluff Fellowship located on Evans Road one half mile west of Hwy 65. Visitation will be held at River Bluff Fellowship at 9:00 a.m., before the service. In lieu of flowers or donations, Larry requested that his family and friends spend an hour doing random acts of kindness to those in need.
The family wishes to thank Frederick Lobati, MD, Christopher A. Edwards, MD and Gary Hoos, MD as well as the numerous Mercy clinic and hospital staff members who offered their expertise and excellent care during Larry’s cancer journey. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice Compassus, who without their compassionate assistance, would not have been able to make the final part of his journey home to the Lord as sweet.
Online condolences can be made to www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com