Joe Marnell

Joe P. Marnell, 81, Clay Center, Kans., died on October 24, 2017. He was born October 5, 1936, in Tulsa, Okla, to Joe and Leona (Hess) Marnell. A graduate of Jetmore High School in Jetmore, Kans., Joe was the first in his family to attend college, and became a business student and member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity at Kansas State University.  Joe married the love of his life Jean (Walters) in Hutchinson, Kans., on Oct 13, 1962. She died on Oct 10, 2011. Joe is survived by his three children: Lisa Sisley (Ken), Manhattan; Allison Dawson (Brian), Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Kyle (Carol), Quenemo, Kans.; and seven grandchildren: Anne, Jimmie, Jason, Kaylee, Nathan, Breia and Asia. He is also survived by his special friend Shirley Pfizenmaier of Clay Center.  Joe began his career in insurance in the 1950s, working in Hutchinson, Chanute and Thayer managing agencies before moving with his family to Ingalls, Kans., in 1976 to manage the agency affiliated with the Farmers State Bank (later First National Bank of Cimarron).  He retired in 1998 and then enjoyed a series of what he called “little jobs” that generally involved driving, his favorite pastime. Joe and Jean moved to Clay Center in 2005 to be nearer their children and grandchildren, and he worked on call for the Green Team in Clay Center moving cars among dealerships in the Midwest until he was 80.  Joe requested no service. His ashes will rest with those of his beloved wife in the Hunt Cemetery near Kingman, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s honor, in gratitude for their care of his wife Jean, to Meadowlark Hospice, Tree of Light Fund, 617 Liberty Street, Clay Center, KS, 67432 in care of Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.