Rev. John C. Harrell
March 25, 2023
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Rev. John C. Harrell, 78, passed on to be with his Lord on March 25, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center.
John was born June 13, 1944, in Spokane, Washington to William and Dora (Bean) Harrell and was raised in Villisca, Iowa. He earned his Associates of Arts Degree from Central Christian College, his Seminary Degree, and his Master of Arts Degree from Greenville University. John was a pastor for the Free Methodist Church serving many locations in Iowa and Kansas. He started his ministry in 1965 in Vinton, Iowa, and retired as a superintendent for the North Central Conference. During his career, John had been a chaplain with the Iowa State Patrol, Des Moines Police Department, Des Moines Fire Department, and the Topeka Police Department. He volunteered with the Red Cross CISM Team in New York City after 9/11. John had been a Senior Advisor for the Topeka Police Cadet Explorer Post 721. He served on boards for a plethora of Universities and Church Organizations. John was fascinated by technology. He enjoyed early morning long walks with God.
John is survived by his foster mother, Grace Crosby; children, Kevin (Emily) Harrell, Jodi (Aaron) Harrell, and Katie (Mark) Fritz; honorary daughter, LaBet Everett; grandchildren, Corey Harrell, Sadie (Anthony) Velez, Miah Fritz, Jasmine Carter, Jonathan (Kaitlyn) Cross, and Lucas Cross; great-grandchildren, McKenna, Kamron, Jonah, Jackie, and Royce; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean (Carper) Harrell; father, William Harrell; mother, Dora Harrell Simmons; foster father, Rev. Dwight Crosby; and his brothers, Ed Griffin, Ken Harrell, and Bill Harrell.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the live stream link at the end of the obituary that will be accessible on the day of the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Red Cross, Heartland Free Methodist Campgrounds or the family to be distributed amongst numerous charities that were dear to John’s heart.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Rev. Tim and Rev. Patricia Porter
04/03/2023
As Co-Directors of Chaplain Ministries for the FMC-USA, we want to express our condolences to the Harrell family and Ms. LaBet. We had the privilege of meeting John when we visited him in his home last year. On behalf of the Free Methodist Chaplains Association, we want to express our appreciation for John's years of service as a Police and Fire Chaplain. God only knows the countless lives that John touched with the love of Jesus throughout his career as a pastor and chaplain. We rejoice that John is receiving his reward in heaven for faithful service.
Mary Still
04/01/2023
Sorry to hear about this. He was awesome! Hugs and Loves to everyone. My prayers are with Kevin, Jodi, & Katie, miss you all.
Kathy Koch
03/31/2023
Pastor John was the one who helped me put together all the scattered pieces of the puzzle for understanding the Gospel. I will be forever grateful to him for grounding me in the Bible and leading me to commit my life to Jesus and follow Him.
To all his family and all the multitude of friends I extend my deepest sympathy.
To Pastor John-However matters go, the worst will be a tired traveler and a joyful and sweet welcome Home. Rutherford.
Forever grateful, Kathy Koch, Topeka Free Methodist Church
Gary Hoskins
03/28/2023
Condolences and prayers to John Harrells family. I enjoyed working with John during the time he served as the Head Chaplin for the Iowa State Patrol. He was a true leader with a positive and upbeat attitude.
Craig & Cindy Busey
03/28/2023
So sorry to see this. John and Jean were a special couple to us with lots of good memories! Love to all of you ❤
Craig & Cindy Busey
Dick Dayton, ISP Chaplain
03/28/2023
I greatly appreciated serving along side of John. His gracious spirit and diligent service were commendable.
Chuck Weiman
03/28/2023
I was a young Pastor of a very small Free Methodist Church in Newton, Iowa. John and his Ottumwa Free Methodist Church took me into their Church Family and nursed me through that first year of ministry. John would later be my superintendent. He was a mentor and friend. I will miss him greatly but look forward to sitting with him at God's banqueting table.
todd j temeyer
03/27/2023
John was my favoiritest person ever!!!! Many lives were changed because of him. I will surely miss him here,
Genie Sterbenz (Clemens)
03/27/2023
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family of John. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years when he served as an Iowa State Patrol Chaplain.
He was a great man who loved God, family and those who served. May he rest in peace.
God bless all of you during this difficult time.
Doug Oscarson
03/27/2023
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family during this sad time. May the memories of Wally forever bring you peace and joy. Wally was a great husband, father, & grandfather which made him a great man. God bless.