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LaVell Cantwell, of Ponca City, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2019 at Alliance Health Center. He was 87 years old.
A memorial ceremony to celebrate LaVell’s life will be held at 11am on Saturday , September 21, 2019 in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. John Waterloo, officiating.
LaVell Stewart Cantwell was born in Kaw City on August 27, 1932 to Marion and Lula (Stewart) Cantwell. Growing up, he traveled with his family going to school in various places including Paola, KS, Fredonia, KS and Kim, CO, ultimately graduating from Madison, KS.
After graduating he worked in the oilfield until joining the Navy in 1952. After completing basic training in Port Hueneme, CA he served a short time in Cuba and was in the Seebee's. The majority of his service was done in Bermuda until he was honorably discharged in 1960. It was during his service that he learned the trade of welding.
After discharge from the Navy, he earned a BA in accounting from Central State (at the time) in Edmond. He tried his hand at a desk job but soon realized his true passion was working outside in the field as a pipefitter welder. He joined the UA in 1957 and was a proud union supporter throughout his life, including serving as president of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 767 for several years. He also served as an apprenticeship instructor guiding many young men to the trade. He retired in 1994 and continued to participate in union functions for years to follow.
LaVell was an exciting story teller and told about the many experiences he had from traveling with his family, while working coast to coast, welding, and working with Border Patrol. His humor and quick wit made him easy to love and fun to be around.
On March 10, 1966, LaVell married Pat Cantwell. Much like his wife, LaVell was happiest when he was taking care of others. After retiring, he helped Pat care for the many children at her daycare. They continued to make their home in Ponca City until their deaths in 2019.
Survivors include son, Doug Smotone of Broken Arrow, daughter, Lori Swain and husband Stan of Ponca City; grandchildren, Blake Cook, Erin Gebhard and husband Craig, Haley Smotone; great grandson, Cohen Gebhard; brother, Mickey Cantwell and wife Deanna; nieces and nephews, Gaye Owen, Nancy Pinkerton, Eddie McKinnis, Bambie Shipman, Chad Cantwell, Kyle Cantwell, Darren Eaton, Teri Bickel, Craig Eaton, Jill Dixon, Randy Eaton and Jerry Tindel.
LaVell was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Pat, his parents, Marion and LuLa, and a sister, Mary Ethlyn.
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