October 7, 1941 — December 8, 2023
Lawrence Edwin Warriner (Larry) was born in Denver, October 7, 1941, to Eleanor Crosswhite Warriner and Edwin Joseph (Jack) Warriner.
During Larry's formative years, he and his mother traveled aboard locomotive trains to follow his father during his flight training as a WWII pilot. Larry was immediately in awe of the powerful locomotives and it fueled a love and passion in him that lasted his entire lifetime. He built extensively detailed model train layouts that not only impressed his family, friends and neighbors, but also earned the respect of other model railroaders. His talent even landed him in Model Railroading magazines and a profile story/interview on a Denver News station. He loved spending his free time meticulously and artistically detailing every aspect of his HO-scaled world.
In addition to his train hobby, Larry was an avid and talented woodworker. He lovingly built his family's furniture and cabinetry. The smell of fresh sawdust was always in the air inside his garage and shop.
Of course, Larry's talents extended even further. He not only engineered but built garages, additions, decks and extensive remodels with his own two hands. He worked tirelessly utilizing his skills to improve his and his family's homes. He did all of his own tile work, plumbing, electrical, bricklaying, concrete pouring, etc. He built a peaceful patio and koi pond surrounded by a lovely garden of trees, flowers, and shrubs.
Larry could also turn a pretty mean wrench. He was a savvy auto mechanic and worked on almost any type of vehicle. Whether it was just changing spark plugs, or removing an entire engine, rebuilding it, and putting it back in, he never shied away or was intimidated by hard work and learning new skills.
As a child, Larry eventually moved to the Black Hawk/Central City area where he met the love of his life, Jean. Larry and Jean went to their senior prom together (it shouldn't come as a surprise that Larry was also an incredible dancer) and he promptly swept Jeanie off her feet. They married in 1961 and were inseparable, best friends for the next 62 years. They lovingly raised three children together; Mark, Lyn, and Holly.
After attending CU in Boulder, Larry took a job with the Bureau of Reclamation at the Denver Federal Center, designing turbines and generators for hydroelectric power plants like Hoover Dam, Grand Coulee, Flaming Gorge, and others. After decades of devoted work with the Bureau, he retired and worked as a construction inspector for RTD.
Along with his vast array of hobbies, Larry enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing (although with three young children, he spent most of his "fishing time" untangling his kid's fishing poles, yet never complained once about it).
Larry was the first to set aside his projects to help his family and friends with theirs. He was exceptionally selfless and giving. The immense hole that he leaves behind in his family's lives is immeasurable.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother (Eleanor), his father (Jack), and his son (Mark). He is survived by his loving wife Jean, his daughter Lyn (and Kevin), daughter Holly (and Skip), his grandchildren (Zach, Krystal, Matthew, and Rachel), and a great-grandson (Henry).
Contributions or donations may be made to The American Cancer Society and/or the ALS Association.
Celebration of Life
Monday, December 18, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm (Mountain time)
Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services- Runyan-Stevenson
6425 W Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, 80226
