In Memory Of
Larry Donald Cranwell
1941
2024
Larry Donald Cranwell
July 29, 1941 — February 19, 2024
Larry Donald Cranwell, 82, of Topeka, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024.
He was born July 29, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Donald and Wilma (Michaels) Cranwell. Larry attended a one room school house from 1st through 8th grade at Jack Rabbit. He graduated from Melvern High School in 1959. Larry joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 and left for Basic Training one week after graduation. He was proud of his service.
Larry married Lorene Kay Kitt on January 27, 1967 in Lyndon, Kansas. To their union in marriage, they had two beautiful daughters, Staci and Shawna. He was a great girl dad and loved his daughters dearly.
Larry was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 35 years and retired in 2003. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Union Local 307. After retirement, he would meet up with other retirees and they would catch up over breakfast.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 400 in Topeka, Kansas.
Larry was a car guy. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a fan of drivers, Bill Elliott and Kevin Harvick. Larry loved classic cars and took great pride in taking care of all the cars he owned.
He also enjoyed walking around Lake Shawnee collecting golf balls. In his spare time, he would watch old western movies and play Angry Birds on his iPad. He was an avid K-State fan and enjoyed watching basketball and football games.
Larry's greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved supporting their endeavors and traveled many miles watching and cheering them on.
Survivors include his wife, Lorene Kay Cranwell; daughters, Staci (Todd) Fleischer and Shawna (Brian) Swaffar; his grandchildren, Lauren (Bronze) Constantino, Abby Fleischer, Riley Swaffar and Logan Swaffar; and one brother, Wayne (Pam) Cranwell. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Larry's family will greet relatives and friends from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. A funeral ceremony will be 10:00 am, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Stormont Vail Cancer Center, 1414 SW 8th Ave, Topeka, KS 66606.
To share a memory of Larry or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born July 29, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Donald and Wilma (Michaels) Cranwell. Larry attended a one room school house from 1st through 8th grade at Jack Rabbit. He graduated from Melvern High School in 1959. Larry joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 and left for Basic Training one week after graduation. He was proud of his service.
Larry married Lorene Kay Kitt on January 27, 1967 in Lyndon, Kansas. To their union in marriage, they had two beautiful daughters, Staci and Shawna. He was a great girl dad and loved his daughters dearly.
Larry was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 35 years and retired in 2003. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Union Local 307. After retirement, he would meet up with other retirees and they would catch up over breakfast.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 400 in Topeka, Kansas.
Larry was a car guy. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a fan of drivers, Bill Elliott and Kevin Harvick. Larry loved classic cars and took great pride in taking care of all the cars he owned.
He also enjoyed walking around Lake Shawnee collecting golf balls. In his spare time, he would watch old western movies and play Angry Birds on his iPad. He was an avid K-State fan and enjoyed watching basketball and football games.
Larry's greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved supporting their endeavors and traveled many miles watching and cheering them on.
Survivors include his wife, Lorene Kay Cranwell; daughters, Staci (Todd) Fleischer and Shawna (Brian) Swaffar; his grandchildren, Lauren (Bronze) Constantino, Abby Fleischer, Riley Swaffar and Logan Swaffar; and one brother, Wayne (Pam) Cranwell. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Larry's family will greet relatives and friends from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. A funeral ceremony will be 10:00 am, Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Stormont Vail Cancer Center, 1414 SW 8th Ave, Topeka, KS 66606.
To share a memory of Larry or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry Donald Cranwell, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, February 23, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
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