The Life of MELVIN STANLEY MCCONNELL SR.
Melvin “Mel” McConnell, 82, passed away December 23, 2010, at the Regency Care Center in Norwalk.
Melvin was born in Des Moines on April 4, 1928, to Ross W., Jr. and Lucy McConnell. He grew up on the city’s south side and attended Lincoln High School. He served his country during WW II as a proud Marine. He married Betty Daniels, and to this union they were blessed with five children.
He was employed at Delavan Manufacturing for 23 years and also worked at John Deere. He enjoyed woodworking and was very crafted at his skill. He enjoyed playing and spending time with his grandkids. He loved the old westerns and The Wheel of Fortune. He always lent a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
Mel is survived by his children; Stan (Jeannie) McConnell, Sherry (Lyle) Lett, Mary (Al) Gross, Karin (Bill) Blevins, and Mike (Carmen) McConnell; 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Myrtle Head; brother Lawrence McConnell; and uncle Stewart (Willie) McConnell. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Marion Welshons; and brothers Maurice and Ross McConnell.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2010, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. The Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Health Hospice.