Elwin Bruce Sorrell passed away on January 8 and his family rejoices that the struggle in his earthly body is now over. Bruce was born on a farm in Jewell County, Kansas, September 24, 1934, the 2nd of five children to Corwin Griffis Sorrell and Clara Lois Nesmith Sorrell. He grew up working on a family farm in north central Kansas. His early education was at Limestone Grade School (a one-room rural school house) and he graduated from Glen Elder Rural High School where he participated and excelled in all sports, one of his life-long passions. Bruce attended Kansas Wesleyan University, where he played football (and was inducted into the college's football Hall of Fame in 1987) and failed at French. Miserably. He worked whatever jobs he needed to make sure he finished his degree, including the time-honored college profession, waiting tables. He later served as trustee for the college and valued the education he received there. While in college, he met and married his beloved wife and partner in life, Judith Lynne Nelson. He taught school and coached in several small communities before accepting a position as an accountant with the Law Construction Company in Wichita, Kansas. This became his life's work, and he was a valued member of the executive team (it was his job to accept blame whenever anything went wrong - a most valued team member indeed!). He coached many church-related teams over the years and mentored many hundreds of young athletes and church members in their spiritual journey. Golf was a great love, and when he could no longer swear at the ball, he lived vicariously through his golf-playing grandson, Luke. After retiring, he and Judith traveled the country in an RV, attending national music club conventions as the most unmusical "golfing spouse". He doted on six grandchildren and always enjoyed family time. He served long and faithfully as an elder at Pathways Church. The faith he shared with Judith sustained him, and he passionately followed his calling as a devoted servant. Bruce cultivated the image of being a grump and enjoyed being ribbed for it. The family is chuckling up our sleeves at the plight of some poor inadequate soul that has just been replaced as the resident grump on St. Peter's staff.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Judith, son Bruce (Marybeth), daughter Jana Arneson (Bill); grandchildren Emma, Robert, and Lucy Sorrell, and Luke, Bethany, and Hannah Arneson; four sisters, Bernice, Annetta, Bonnie, and Betty and their families with whom he was close his entire life.

A service of celebration will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 4 pm at Pathway Church, 2001 N. Maize Rd. Suggested memorials: Pathway Church or Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Baker Funeral Home Valley Center Condolences may be sent for the family to www.bakerfhvc