Larry Colwell, formerly of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2014 in Apache Junction, Arizona.

As a young man in his early 20's, Larry moved from his hometown of Defiance, Ohio to Phoenix, to start his career in the airline industry. During his 40-year career, he worked for various airlines due to mergers and acquisitions. He retired from Northwest Airlines. His most notable accomplishment was an award he received for creating an evaporative cooling system that could be installed on an enclosed baggage cart to give relief to animals that were traveling in the hot Arizona heat. This system was designed for Northwest, but has since been implemented at other airlines.

Survivors include sons, Paul (Linda) Colwell of Phoenix, Arizona, and Clint (Linda) Colwell of Springfield, Missouri, and grandchildren Eric, Hope, Anna and Corinna Colwell.

Funeral services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 11:00 am with Pastor Joshua Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 am prior to services.  Local arrangements by Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance.