Our Staff
We think that it is important for families we serve to see familiar faces at a time when they need comfort and understanding. It just seems to make a difficult situation a little easier.
Our employees deserve to be in the spotlight because much of our success is due to their dedication and caring. Their dedication and loyalty are not limited to the funeral home; these traits are also extended to our city and surrounding communities. All members of our staff are either native Franklin Counties or longtime residents. They have a vested interest in the future of this county, because their children and grandchildren are here; their roots are here.
They are not only good employees; they are good neighbors and friends, who are proud to live here and who take an active part in making it a good place to live. We see a bright future for this community and the surrounding area. Our county is growing, and we are all very excited to be a part of it.

Lisa Manley
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Lisa Manley has served as a Funeral Director and Embalmer at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for 24 years. Born in Scandia, Kansas, she attended Kansas City Kansas Community College. With over 24 years of experience in funeral service, Lisa has also worked as a Kansas Insurance Licensee for funding Prearranged Funerals and is a member of both the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Dedicated to her community, she is involved with SERTOMA, Lawrence and Eudora Chamber.
She and her husband Colby have two children. In her spare time, she enjoys archery, Harley riding, and helping with her children’s school and extracurricular activities.

Michael Carl
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Michael Carl has served as a Funeral Director and Embalmer for over 12 years before joining the staff at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in April of 2018. Born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and growing up in Salina, Kansas, Michael attended Kansas Wesleyan University and received degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He later moved to Lenexa, Kansas and attended Kansas City Kansas Community College Mortuary Science Program, receiving a Mortuary Science Degree.
Michael is a member of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Michael married his spouse on June 10, 2017 and they reside in Lenexa, Kansas.
He enjoys watching Chiefs Football, Royals Baseball and K-State Football. Michael enjoys meeting new people, and relaxing with family and friends.

Morgan Wagner
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Morgan Wagner is a licensed Funeral Director and Mortician who has been drawn to funeral service since childhood, inspired by her own experiences with family loss. Growing up in Southwest Kansas, she knew from the age of five that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others navigate grief with compassion, dignity, and excellence.
With nearly a decade of experience working in a funeral home setting and a Mortuary Science degree from Arapahoe Community College (2023), Morgan brings both professional expertise and a heartfelt commitment to honoring every life. Known for her genuine compassion and giving spirit, she provides guidance and care throughout the grieving process, ensuring families feel supported and loved ones are remembered with the respect they deserve.
To Morgan, funeral service is not just a profession but a true calling — an honor to walk alongside families during sacred and tender moments. She is dedicated to creating meaningful services that reflect the uniqueness of each life, extending kindness, light, and comfort to those who need it most.
Outside of her work in funeral service, Morgan enjoys exploring Kansas City with her friends — whether it’s discovering new restaurants, attending concerts, or enjoying local coffee shops. A lifelong reader, her favorite book series is Harry Potter, and she often finds comfort in returning to its pages. Morgan also loves movies, with Mrs. Doubtfire holding a special place as her all-time favorite. She treasures time spent with her family and is kept company at home by her cat, Tonks.

Michael D. Wooden
Advance Funeral Planner
Michael D. Wooden has served as the Advance Funeral Planner at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for seven years. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he attended Ruskin High School. He has received Graduate Securities Training and is licensed by the NYSE and the NASDAQ. He is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course for Sales Professionals and Customer Service. He is a Kansas Insurance licensee for funding pre-arranged funerals.
Dedicated to his community, he is a member of Heritage Baptist Church and is involved in active church functions.
He and his wife, Nicole, have six children and eight grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, fishing, and gardening.

Larry McElwain
Funeral Director & Former Owner
Larry McElwain served as a Funeral Director and Owner of Warren-McElwain Mortuary for 44 years prior to his recent retirement. Born in Maize, Kansas, Larry attended Maize High School before receiving his BA in Public Personnel Administration in 1970 from the University of Kansas.
A member of both the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association, Larry served on various state and national committees and as President of KFDA in 1985.
Dedicated to his community, he is a member of Noon Rotary Club of Lawrence, Noon Rotary Club Board of Directors, The Chamber of Lawrence, KS, Currently President/ CEO of The Chamber of Lawrence, Economic Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County, Currently President of the Economic Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County, Board of Directors of the Bioscience Technology Business Center of Lawrence, Lawrence Breakfast Cosmopolitan Club, and KU Alumni Association.
Larry and his wife Susan Cain have five children and attend First Christian Church of Lawrence.

G.W. (Jack) Greenwood
Funeral Assistant
Jack Greenwood has been a Funeral Assistant at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for four years.
He received his Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University in 1957.
Born and raised in Lawrence, he is a member of the Lawrence Rotary Club and New Generation Society of Lawrence. He attends Plymouth Congregational Church and has been married to his wife Faith for 60 years. Together they have four adult children and nine grandchildren.
In his spare time, he enjoys yard work, working out at the gym, spending time with family and friends, and dining out with his gourmet group.

Pat Shultz
Funeral Assistant
Pat has served as a funeral assistant at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for two years. Born in Lawrence, KS, she attended Lawrence schools. Dedicated to her church community, she is currently involved in many ministries at Corpus Christi Church and School. She is a past volunteer at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Douglas County Hospice, and a county 4-H Leader.
Pat has two children and five grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading and baking.

Tom Koenig
Funeral Assistant
Tom was born and raised in North Dakota where he graduated from the University of North Dakota. He has lived in Lawrence since 1987 and volunteers for many community organizations as well as for Corpus Christy Catholic Church where he and is wife, Angie, are members.
Tom recently retired from a banking career and now enjoys his free time with family and friends, traveling, yard work and riding his motorcycle.

Philip Padden
Former Owner
Philip Padden was the owner of Warren-McElwain Mortuary for 30 years prior to his recent retirement. Born in Holton, Kansas, Philip attended Holton High School before graduating from Kansas State University and San Francisco College of Mortuary Science.
He received his Mortuary of Arts Degree in 1971 and garnered over 45 years of experience in funeral service. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Kansas Funeral Directors Association.
Dedicated to his community, Philip is a member of Lawrence Breakfast Cosmopolitan Club and Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
He and his wife Gail have two sons, Tyler and Kyle.

Derek Woods
Crematory Operator and Funeral Assistant

Tom Thompson
Funeral Assistant

Matt Daigh
Funeral Assistant

Lynn Olson
Funeral Assistant

Mary Pat Himmelberg
Funeral Assistant

Ernie Dyer
Funeral Assistant

