Jack Mcconnell

Jack D. McConnell, 87, a resident of Green Township in Noble County, passed away at 6:15 a. m. on Monday, October 21, 2013, at the home of his son in Green Township following an extended illness. Mr. McConnell was born on April 5, 1926 in Green Township, a son of Isaac W. and Oma (Diffendarfer) McConnell. He spent his formative years there and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1944. As a young man he served with the U. S. Navy during World War II, and was married in California on September 26, 1948 to Rosemary Kocher. He and his wife raised their family in Green Township, where he was also engaged in farming. He owned and operated McConnell Construction for many years retiring in 1988. In addition he had served as a school bus driver for Smith-Green Community Schools for 38 years. He loved the western United States and its culture, and was a true cowboy at heart. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family. His first wife preceded him in death on March 28, 2002. He was later married at Ormas on July 6, 2004 to Charlotte (Johnson) Duncan. She survives. Also surviving are his children David R. (Karen) McConnell of Churubusco, Jerry L. (Carol) McConnell of Muncie, Jacqueline McConnell of Albion, Richard (Rhonda) McConnell of Anaheim, Calif., Jill (Gary) Bontrager of LaOtto, Joel Isaac (Colette) McConnell of Albion, and Joannie Schnellbach of Fort Wayne; and his step-children Brad Duncan of Larwill, Donna Kay (Bill) Batchelder of Columbia City, Neal Duncan of Iowa, and Jennifer Lynn (Steve) Anderson of Columbia City. There are 26 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a brother Lee McConnell; and by a sister Willadean Arehart. A Celebration of Life for Mr. McConnell will be held at 7 p. m. on Friday, October 25, 2013, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Tim Grable, pastor of Sugar Grove Church of God, the facilitator. A military presentation by the U. S. Navy will follow. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday after 2 p. m. until the time of the celebration service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to REDS For Isaac (redsforissac.com). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. *****************************************