They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Larry Rue Axtell, age 82, peacefully passed away on July 5, 2023. Larry was born March 14, 1941 to Willard Clay and Aggie Lou (Hermes) Axtell in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The eldest son of four children, Larry was raised in rural Iowa and was active in 4H and FFA. His love of Father God and his personal ministry began at First Christian Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa where he accepted his Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized on this thirteenth birthday. He sang with the ABCs, a local spiritual vocal group and throughout high school with the ALHS Vocal department, graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1959. His college education was at Iowa State University where he studied mathematics. His college education continued at Denver University where he was also a student Professor for computer courses. He began his professional life working in insurance until he was selected to learn operation and maintenance of one of the earliest computers in Omaha, Nebraska. After that time computers and computer programming and development became his life work. He founded his own company, Comquest, while working as a programmer and systems analyst for other companies in Nebraska and Texas including Sysco. He married Faye Kathleen Lewis in 1970. He joyously adopted Kathleen’s daughter Jaki and they were also blessed with three additional children, Patrick, Jennifer, and Heather. In 1978 Larry moved his family to Katy, Texas, where he raised his family. In the early 90’s Larry moved to Industry, Texas. He loved the area and enjoyed fishing, working with his family (his brother Kirby and grandsons Daniel and Michael) building a barn on his farm in Fayetteville, TX and being a faithful member and supporter of West End Baptist Church in Industry, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Clay Axtell; brothers Kirby Axtell and Dennis Axtell; and son Patrick Axtell.

He is survived by his mother, Aggie Lou Blaziek of Missouri Valley, Iowa, his twin sister Gerry Sue Rinella and husband Salvatore of Missouri Valley, Iowa, daughters, Jaki Axtell of Katy, Texas, Jennifer Ball and husband Matt of Coldspring, Texas, Heather Godwin and husband Brad of Katy, Texas. Grandkids Daniel Dismukes, Michael Wahoski, Amber Fonteno, Jeannene Higgins, Dustin Axtell, Victora Gorrell, and Ryan Godwin. Great Grandchildren Sierra, Sandra , Dax, Michael, and Mavis. Multiple nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at the West End Baptist Church 7577 Ernest Parkway, Industry, Texas 78944. Visitation 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM, followed by burial at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Industry, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the West End Church Men’s Community Work Project. Checks may be made payable to West End Baptist Church (LA memorial). All gifts will be acknowledged by mail.
Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Knesek Family Funeral Chapel 842 E. Main, Bellville Texas 77418. (979) 865-3121 www.knesekfuneralhome.com