Loren Cantrell

Loren Cantrell passed away October 11, 2012 at Kansas City Hospice House. Loren was born on Tuesday, February 10, 1931, the fourth of five children born to Robert and Madge Cantrell in Joplin, Missouri. Loren was united in marriage with Lorene Sloan of Pleasant Hill, Missouri on March 4, 1954. The couple had two children, Kenneth and Linda. Lorene passed away in 1969. Loren was united in marriage with Helen Jones Brown originally from Osceola, Missouri on May 15, 1970. Helen had three daughters from a former marriage, Cheryl, Karen and Sandra. The family moved to the Ottawa area in 1972. The children attended school in Pomona, Williamsburg and Ottawa High School. Loren attended school in Joplin, Missouri and graduated from Midland High School in Midland, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University with a major in Accounting and Economics. He earned a Master of Business Administration from University of Missouri. Loren served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Loren worked as a corporate accountant in the 1960’s through the 1980’s specializing in converting manual accounting systems to data processing systems. He retired from Sprint after twenty years. Upon retirement, he established a private accounting and tax preparation firm in Olathe serving the Olathe and Johnson County area. Loren was a substitute teacher for USD 290, as well as other surrounding school districts for the last ten years. Loren was a member of Grace Community Fellowship and the Ottawa Kiwanis. Loren was a much loved Sunday school teacher at the Ottawa Church of the Brethren for many years, as well as providing leadership to various church organizations. He served on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County. He was an active square dancer in the Ottawa Promenaders and Happy Times in Lawrence. He is survived by his: Wife-Helen Cantrell of the home; Son-Kenneth Cantrell and his wife, LaDonna, of Ponca City, Oklahoma; Daughter-Linda Hess and her husband, Steve, of Andover, Kansas; Daughter-Cheryl Brown Griest and her husband, Denton, of Ottawa, Kansas; Daughter-Sandy Brown Payne and her husband, Don, of Pomona, Kansas; Deceased Daughter-Karen Brown Thomas, and her husband, Freeman, of Lane, Kansas; Sister-Suzy Johnson and her husband, Jim, of Edmonds, Washington; Sister-Jean Stearns of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Grandson-Justin Griest, and his wife, Katie, and daughter, Charlotte; Granddaughter-Kelsey Griest, and her son, Kamden; Granddaughter-Lani Thomas and her fiancé, Mike Myer; Grandson-Chad Thomas; Grandson-Shawn Spencer; Granddaughter-Alyssa Spencer; Granddaughter-Hauna Payne; Grandson-Kale Payne and Many Nieces and Nephews. He is preceded in death by his: Parents-Robert and Madge (Hood) Cantrell; Daughter-Karen Brown Thomas; Sister-Bess Sigsby and Sister-Robbie Glazer. SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held at the Grace Community Fellowship Church, 501 S. Poplar St., Ottawa, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 15, 2012. Family will meet with friends one hour prior to service. IN STATE: Friends may pay respects to Mr. Cantrell at Dengel & Son Mortuary from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, October 14, 2012. CEMETERY: Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Grace Fellowship Building Fund or USD 290 Scholarship Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.