Earle Adren Fennell passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him Sunday, May 19, 2019. He was 91 years old.

Adren was born on June 26, 1927 in Checotah, Oklahoma to Earl and Nola Fennell. After high school he served in the United States Navy, then on to college at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Oklahoma with a B.A. in music and a minor in education. He moved to California to teach and met Norma Jeanne Balmain, whom he married in 1949.

Adren taught at various schools from 1949 to 1974. He served as pastor in several churches in Tulare County from 1954 to 1974. He then moved to Fortuna where he was pastor at First Baptist Church of Fortuna from 1974 to 1992. Adren also worked as a finish carpenter, was chief maintenance engineer at the Eureka Inn, and served as handyman for anyone who had need.

First Thessalonians 4:11-12 says, “. . .make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hand just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” This sums up the life of Adren Fennell. He worked hard and kept to himself. His life was lived in service to Jesus Christ, and he led many people to the Lord. He was loved and respected by numerous people in the church and the community.

Adren was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne, his parents, Earl and Nola, his sister Edythe, and his brother Maurice. He is survived by his son, Lynd and his wife Karen and daughters Melissa and Kelsey, his daughter, Renda and her husband Ron and sons Eric and Brice, his daughter Nola and children Danette, Thad and Kyle, his son Alan and his wife Sandi and children Russell and Chelsea, his great-grandchildren Tara, Tessa, Cody, Caylee, Chloe, Payton, Emma, Eryn, Ayden and Hannah and great-great-granddaughter Ariella.

Services will be held Saturday, May 25 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Fortuna, 1976 Scenic Drive.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Adren Fennell’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.