William H. “Bill” Connell, age 87, left this world to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 25, 2018. He was born in Springfield, Illinois on March 29, 1930, the son of Lawrence and Eva (Graham) Stanley. Bill had one older brother, Richard, who preceded him in death.
On January 26, 1952, he married Marilee “Mary” P. Troy and she preceded him in death on June 27, 1997. He then married Dawn Hoge in 1998 and she died in 2015.
Bill was a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He spent his entire career working for SOHIO/BP.
Bill is the father of two children, Tim (Sandy) Connell, of Fort Myers, Florida and Cathy (Brad) Colon, of Bryan, Ohio. He has five grandchildren, Kelly (Brian) Sheehan, Matthew (Jessica) Cotter, Jennifer (Paul) Elchinger, Andy (Hailey) Connell and Chelsea (Chris) Gaghan and six great grandchildren, Matthew Sheehan, Kayleigh Elchinger, Jacob Elchinger, Mallory Elchinger, Garrett Connell, Dylan Cotter, with baby boy Gaghan due to arrive anyday.
Without question, not only his children, but his grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of his life.
Bill dearly loved both golf and tennis, playing them avidly until he was no longer physically capable. He was a member of the Lost Creek Country Club for many years with the last several years at Wapakoneta Country Club. He had a major role in teaching both his grandsons golf and tennis at an early age. Bill was very active in his community serving on many Boards, Commissions, etc; too numerous to mention. In most he took a leadership role. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Lima, Ohio. He was very active volunteering with both the Church and School Boards as well as singing in the choir.
One of the most enjoyable times for him were the annual family vacations to Captiva Island, Florida. Although it has been a few years, both his children and grandchildren still have fond memories of these trips, as well.
He will be sadly missed by nieces, nephews and all his numerous friends. He was a very wonderful and caring individual that impacted many lives.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 30, 2018 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Interment at Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima will follow the services.
Krill Funeral Service, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, Ohio has been entrusted with service arrangements.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan.