Larry M. Pannell

Beverly Pannell in Austin, Texas. He grew up in a small pink house on South 2nd street. He attended

St. Elmo elementary, Porter Junior High, and then Crockett High School.

Larry learned early that he didn’t like school as much as Merle Haggard and cold Budweiser. At the age of 17, he met the love of his life, Linda Carol, at Convict Hill restaurant in South Austin. They got married shortly after he turned 18 and Larry soon joined the marines and they started their family.

After 4 years of service he returned to Austin with his wife and 2 young children and began working for LCRA. He was a hard-working family man but remained a weekend drunk for several years. He never quit listening to Merle Haggard, but Jesus delivered him from drinking in 1990 and he never drank a drop again.

He was a bold witness for Christ whether coaching young men to state championship powerlifting meets, working in the steel shop in 100 degree heat, greeting people at Austin Country Club, or praying with the homeless at Angel House soup kitchen.

“Hi my name is Larry Pannell, Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I hope He’s yours also.” is how he introduced himself. His other favorite saying was, “God loves you, but I am his favorite.” He was funny and fun to be around. He made countless friends from work, gym, and church but always was a family guy spending his free time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a strong man mentally, physically, and spiritually. He survived falling from the top of a telephone pole and put in 20 more years of hard work at LCRA for his family. He was honest and loyal, and to know him was to love him.

He is survived by his sister Lori, children Mike and Kristie, Grandchildren Joslyn, Ricky, Sapphire, Jasper, Mercy, Faith, and Arizona, and Great Grandchildren Bryce and Brayland.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Pannell family may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com.