Thomas Leroy Pennell

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obit---Thomas-Leroy-Pennell-PictureThomas Leroy Pennell, age 73, died after a long battle with liver cancer on Nov. 24, in his home in Pagosa Springs.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Pennell, of Pagosa Springs; his oldest son, Tim Pennell (Lisa), of  Westminster, Md.; his youngest son, Randy Pennell (Kimberly), of Punta Gorda, Fla.; brother Robert Dean Pennell, of Greeley; sister Anne McAfee (DL), of McAlester, Okla.; and brother-in-law Vernon Christie (Alice), of Pagosa Springs. He had four grandchildren: Jordan, Cameron, Gavin and Madeline. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Lee and Bessie Pennell, of Ignacio, and his brother, Charles Pennell, of Loveland, Colo.

Thomas was born on Oct.19, 1941, in Durango, to parents Lee and Bessie Pennell. He graduated from Ignacio High School in 1959. Soon after, he enlisted in the Navy, where he spent three years as a radio technician aboard a naval ship. He then attended tech school in Denver and became an electronics technician. Thomas worked in the aerospace field for over 30 years in such places as Barstow, Calif.; Fairbanks, Alaska; Columbia, Md.; Wallops Island, Va.; and Antarctica.

Thomas was a great family man, loving father and friend to many. He married Linda Christie, of Pagosa Springs, in 1965 and the couple had two children together. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family wherever they were around the country.

A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday Dec. 2, at the Allison Community Presbyterian Church in Allison. Woody Lewis will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Thomas’ life. The family would like to thank all of their friends and family members and Mercy Home Health and Hospice for the great care given to Thomas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Mercy Home Health and Hospice.