WARREN MCELWAIN MORTUARY - Key Persons
Darlene worked as a nurse in small hospitals for the next 6 years. They moved to Lawrence, KS in 1969. Darlene worked in Obstetrics at Lawrence Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2007. Darlene loved nursing and enjoyed caring for three generations of mothers and babies as they delivered in Lawrence. She was often approached by women in the community who remembered her as their nurse and were thankful for her care.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Paul Atkinson, their first child, Cynthia Ranae Atkinson, her parents, and her brother, Marvin.
Jack Greenwood has been a Funeral Assistant at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for four years.
He received his Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University in 1957.
Born and raised in Lawrence, he is a member of the Lawrence Rotary Club and New Generation Society of Lawrence. He attends Plymouth Congregational Church and has been married to his wife Faith for 60 years. Together they have four adult children and nine grandchildren.
In his spare time, he enjoys yard work, working out at the gym, spending time with family and friends, and dining out with his gourmet group.
Job Titles:
- President
- Member of Lawrence Rotary Club
- President of Warren - McElwain Mortuary
James E. Larkin has served as President of Warren-McElwain Mortuary since his ownership in 2013.
Born in Creston, Iowa, he attended Creston High School before graduating from Southwestern Community College in 1970 and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1971.
Within three years of opening his first funeral home in Corning, Iowa, James had four locations and partnerships with funeral homes in Ottumwa, Iowa, Glen Falls, New York, and Farmington, New Mexico. In 1999, he moved to Arcadia, CA and grew the family business to 16 locations.
With almost 50 years of experience in funeral service, he is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the Crematory Association of North America.
Dedicated to his community, James is a member of Lawrence Rotary Club and Crest Masonic Lodge #522. He was elected for two terms on the Southwestern Community College Board of Directors, Corning Housing Authority.
Judy Karen left a beautiful footprint in the world. So many memories of her family and friends she will live on in her daughter and grandkids. I was so happy we had are family reunion and we were able to attend Butch'S memorial service in Washington.
I remember the yellow birds they had at the home. She is home with the Father. She is with the love of her life Gene. She is surrounded by our family her parents and her brother.
Judy would not want us to be sad. But to spread her story of her Savior. She had a beautiful life. I will always hold your memories in my heart ♥ . I love you dearly. Wishing I was with you all. But only for a time do we stand still, and a blink of an eye we are present in the Father's arms and clothed in our new body no more hurts or pains of the old one.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director & Former Owner
Larry McElwain served as a Funeral Director and Owner of Warren-McElwain Mortuary for 44 years prior to his recent retirement. Born in Maize, Kansas, Larry attended Maize High School before receiving his BA in Public Personnel Administration in 1970 from the University of Kansas.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director & Embalmer
Lisa Manley has served as a Funeral Director and Embalmer at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for 16 years. Born in Scandia, Kansas, she attended Kansas City Kansas Community College.
With over 20 years of experience in funeral service, Lisa has also worked as a Kansas Insurance Licensee for funding Prearranged Funerals and is a member of both the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Dedicated to her community, she is involved with SERTOMA, Lawrence and Eudora Chamber.
She and her husband Colby have two children. In her spare time, she enjoys archery, Harley riding, and helping with her children's school and extra curricular activities.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director and Embalmer
Michael Carl has served as a Funeral Director and Embalmer for over 12 years before joining the staff at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in April of 2018. Born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and growing up in Salina, Kansas, Michael attended Kansas Wesleyan University and received degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He later moved to Lenexa, Kansas and attended Kansas City Kansas Community College Mortuary Science Program, receiving a Mortuary Science Degree.
Michael is a member of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Michael married his spouse on June 10, 2017 and they reside in Lenexa, Kansas.
He enjoys watching Chiefs Football, Royals Baseball and K-State Football. Michael enjoys meeting new people, and relaxing with family and friends.
Michael D. Wooden has served as the Advance Funeral Planner at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for seven years. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he attended Ruskin High School. He has received Graduate Securities Training and is licensed by the NYSE and the NASDAQ. He is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course for Sales Professionals and Customer Service. He is a Kansas Insurance licensee for funding pre-arranged funerals.
Dedicated to his community, he is a member of Heritage Baptist Church and is involved in active church functions.
He and his wife, Nicole, have six children and eight grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, fishing, and gardening.
Judy is my sister. She was my best friend. After are baby brother passed we held each other strong. When are baby brother came home we were very happy as children. We would push him around in his stroller. When he got older his redflyer wagon. Where he would tell us to go faster. Tell on day he fell out and broke his nose. We grow and loved each other. And are bones were strong as over. I will miss you both very much. Judy you and Buch don't have to much fun up there with mom and dad. Love you Flo.
Pat has served as a funeral assistant at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for two years. Born in Lawrence, KS, she attended Lawrence schools. Dedicated to her church community, she is currently involved in many ministries at Corpus Christi Church and School. She is a past volunteer at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Douglas County Hospice, and a county 4-H Leader.
Pat has two children and five grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading and baking.
Job Titles:
- Member of Lawrence Breakfast Cosmopolitan Club
- Owner of Warren - McElwain Mortuary
Philip Padden was the owner of Warren-McElwain Mortuary for 30 years prior to his recent retirement. Born in Holton, Kansas, Philip attended Holton High School before graduating from Kansas State University and San Francisco College of Mortuary Science.
He received his Mortuary of Arts Degree in 1971 and garnered over 45 years of experience in funeral service. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Kansas Funeral Directors Association.
Dedicated to his community, Philip is a member of Lawrence Breakfast Cosmopolitan Club and Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
He and his wife Gail have two sons, Tyler and Kyle.
Tom was born and raised in North Dakota where he graduated from the University of North Dakota. He has lived in Lawrence since 1987 and volunteers for many community organizations as well as for Corpus Christy Catholic Church where he and is wife, Angie, are members.
Tom recently retired from a banking career and now enjoys his free time with family and friends, traveling, yard work and riding his motorcycle.