Ed Warrell

August 12, 1931 - April 11, 2016

Colonel Ed Warrell, Air Force retired, died April 11, at

Penrose Main Hospital. He was an honorable man, a patriot, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a loyal friend and the World's Greatest Red Sox fan. There is no way to adequately describe him here, but his demeanor attracted many who came to know him, becoming life-long friends.

Ed grew up in Boston. He attended Weymouth High school excelling in academics and lettered in three major sports. He was a star running back for his undefeated football team in his senior year. After graduating, he attended the University of Miami on a track scholarship and proved to be a world class athlete, participating in the Pan American games winning a gold medal in the running long jump.

Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second

Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Colonel before retirement. He was proud to serve in Viet Nam as a forward radar operator supporting numerous

military missions near the DMZ. Later, he became an expert in our nation's growing space program and taught at the Air Force Air War College. Early in his AF career, Ed served on an International Panel on the Uses of Space with Henry

Kissinger and Arthur C. Clark. Ed served in military locations around the world. Returning to Peterson AFB, he was an

expert on Cheyenne Mountain's Space Defense Operations Center and later became NORAD/ADCOM's chief planner for our nation's Missile Warning System and space, ground radar, and command and control upgrades. Colonel Warrell retired in 1985. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry. After retiring from the Air Force, he joined OAO Corporation opening their first office in Colorado Springs. He successfully grew his operation and was promoted to senior vice president, directly reporting to OAO's CEO, Mr. Cecile Barker.

Ed was a life-long Boston Red Sox fan, attending games whenever he traveled to Boston. He was a Denver Broncos fan, and a member of the Air Force Academy's Blue and Silver for over 30 years. He was a member of the Army Navy Club, Kissing Camels and Garden of the Gods Club.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, William; daughter, Marie; and son, Brian. He leaves behind his loving wife, Paula; daughters, Pam and Carrie, and sons, Jerry and Robert. He is also survived by five grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, and many friends. He was deeply loved and will be missed by his family and friends. Memorial services led by the Reverend John

Stevens at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou St, Friday, April 22nd at 2PM. Reception follows at the Garden of the Gods Club.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ed's memory to the charity of your choice. Ed and Paula supported ALS after Paula's brother, Stephen died of that horrible disease.

Donations to your local ALS chapter are appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado.