Claren Lee Carrell

Claren was the son of Walter Lee and LaVaughn Carrell, born June 14th, 1941 in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he continued to live until graduating from Grand Junction High School in 1959. He played the clarinet in the band and received an honor letter for his 4-year participation the program. Upon graduation Claren joined the Navy, creating a 30 year career serving his country and retired with a ranking of Master Chief.

After retirement Claren went back to school where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree. Then continued his education even further attaining his Masters Degree in Fine Art. Both degrees were earned at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. He was frequently seen wearing a University of Washington Huskies sweatshirt with his overalls.

Claren met his first wife, Cathie, at church when she was still in high school. After a long courtship they were married in 1963. Together they had 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls, living in several places around the country during miliary life, the last location being Everett, Washington. Claren reconnected with a high school friend, Benita “Bunny” Monger, who later became his second wife. They married in 2002 and lived in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, until her death in 2019, where he moved back to Everett, Washington.

Claren is predeceased by his parents, Walter and LaVaughn, his sister, Caroline Atkins, his brother, Charles Joseph, his second wife, Benita “Bunny” Monger Carrell, granddaughter, Kimberly Becerra, and grandson, Scott Carrell. He is survived by his sister, Penny Dexter, his first wife, Cathie Carrell, his children, Claren Jr. and wife Keana, Clayton and wife Gwendi, Charles “Chuck” and wife Janea, Cynthia Romero and husband Felix, Colleen MacDonald and husband Bryan, Cheri Becerra and husband Carlos, Curtis and wife Shelby, and Caryne Alberts and husband Brett, 33 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado at the Yampa Valley Funeral Home. Claren will be laid to rest in the Elk Mountain Cemetery.