Laurence Henry Pennell, 79 of Waco, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018 in Axtell.
Memorial Service: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Laurence Pennell was born July 11, 1938 in London, England to Albert Edward Laurence and Dorothy Bennell Pennell. He proudly served in the British Army and in the US Naval Reserves. Laurence married Helen Smith February 18, 1961 and they spent the next 57 years together. He worked for Ford and Ferrari, and was moved to the United States where he began his career in aviation. He was a Vice President for ATS Aviation, and was a pilot for Prince Bandar, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States, and spent several months as the pilot for John Travolta. After retirement, Laurence spent time prospecting for gold in Arizona and Colorado, and worked on and built racing go-karts.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Nicholas Paul Pennell.
Laurence is survived by his wife, Helen; son Steven Pennell and wife Jennifer of Houston; and Sister-In-Law Juliette Ellis, as well as several close friends and neighbors.
Memorial contributions can be made to Fuzzy Friends or to any animal rescue of your choosing.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
My heart breaks for you.
Myself and jewel send our deepest condolences to the family.we did not know him that long but enjoyed his sense of humor and just being around him.he will be missed by every one that had the privilege to meet him. R.I.P.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Mr. Pennell always had a smile on his face and he was full of life and laughter. I loved listening to his stories. May you find comfort in the memories during this difficult time.
Billy and Cecelia will miss our frequent conversations with our coworker and friend “Laurie”. His patriotism and love of country were an inspiration to both of us and we always looked forward to his telephone calls. I know his wife and family will truly miss his presence and loving companionship. God bless his soul and keep him near.
Laurie was a friend, neighbor and comedian. He always made us laugh. The few times we went to supper with him and his wife, Penny were our favorite times. I so wish we had more. Laurie loved to tell his stories every time I took supper to him and handed it over his fence! I’ll see you in heaven dear friend. God took you from us way too soon.
Penny, we pray for peace knowing Laurie is at rest.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. Take comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father will soon remove all pain, sorrow, and death forever! May this promise as recorded in Revelation 21:3,4 help you gain strength and inner peace to cope with the days ahead. (Philippians 4:13)
To the Pennell family: To let you know what good times Laurie and I had during the early 1980’s. We were at Buffalo Airlines together. Had many flights together to many different countries. Always a blast. He was a good man. Could fix most anything that went wrong on the B-707’s. Best regards to the whole family. I will miss our telephone chats. God Bless you all.
Dear Penny and the Pennell family-
I had the extreme pleasure of flying with Laurie during his days with Buffalo Airlines and will always remember his keen wit, fun-loving sense of just about everything . His fabulous stories and how good he was at making and keeping the airplanes safe and in top notch working order. RIP and may god bless you all and keep you during your time of grief . With love-Darci Dixon Todd
Mr. Pennell was a great man ! I will miss his stories that he always told me when he came in for an appointment. He always made me laugh. Mrs. Pennell you and your family are in my prayers.
Hello Pennell family, i flew with Laurie at Buffalo Airways and what memories. He was a great crew member and when he was on board, there were no worries. Laurie was an excellent mechanic on anything that had moving parts. Laurie will be missed by all and y’all will be in our thoughts and prayers. RIP my friend!
After knowing you all the pass 38 years of
my life, I have nothing but the fondest memories and joy and love of knowing the whole family. I thought of Mr. Pennell as a second dad and he and the first were the greatest people in the world to me. I hope you all find peace in knowing he is with our lord and he will never be forgotten. Mrs pennell you were like a mother to me as well and I will always have love for you and yours.
My prayers are for you all.
Thank you for your kind words and friendship.
My condolences to the Pennell family. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I worked with Laurie in Waco at ATS/Elsinore. He was a hoot to work with back then! Great sense of humor! He also shared his knowledge with some of us just starting out in aviation.
My condolences to the family and friends! He was a great person to work for, very knowledgeable and always made you smile! He will surely be missed
Johnny Davis :
Laurie was a wonderful co-worker and friend.