Willard S. McConnell II (W.S. and/or Mac) received his angel wings on August 18, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at eighty-eight years young. He joined my dear sweet brother Stephen W. McConnell who got his wings last November 18, 2022. They both checked in on the same day of week (Friday) and same date (18th) of the month on their flight to Heaven.
My Dad was born in Clinton, Missouri to Willard S. McConnell and Hazel E. McConnell (Glass) in 1935. He married the love of his life (Frieda J. Atkinson) at the First United Methodist Church of Lebanon in 1955, where they were still attending church. My father (parents) had also attended White Oak Pond Church of Lebanon for many years and they always took my brother and me to Camp Cumberland Church Camp in Greenfield, Missouri every summer (wonderful memories.)
Since my Dad’s retirement his place to go is Waffle House for years. He loved talking with all his morning friends. He earned his OFFICIAL REGULAR Badge. Amber, Kristy, Shelby, Chase, Jamie, Amanda, Belle and Alexis all had to listen to his Dad style type jokes.
He is survived by his devoted spouse of sixty-seven years (Frieda J. McConnell), his daughter of Springfield (Deborah J. Gulley), his daughter-in-law of Springfield (Cheryl E. McConnell), his Brother-in law (David W. Atkinson), Granddaughter (Stephanie E. Poole of Springfield and Jared) Grandson (Matthew W. McConnell of Springfield), Great Grandchildren (Hudson J. Poole and Elania G. Poole), Cousin Valeri S. Lindsey (Erik), Cousin Beverly R. Atkinson (Nixa, MO) Cousin Sandra K. Cales (Houston, TX) Cousin Lisa Hammons (Stan) of Oklahoma City and Cousin Terri Metzger (Okay, Oklahoma). He has many more great cousins and friends that will miss him including friends in Deepwater, MO where he spent a lot of his summers with his grandparents growing up.
We would like to thank Dr. Adnan Alexander Kassier of Mercy and the nurses on 3E for their caring compassion and kind words to my Father and my family.
Graveside service was held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Mt. Rose Memorial Park at 10:30 A.M. under direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
