Donald Paul McConnell

Donald Paul McConnell, born on February 12, 1933, in Crawford County, Missouri, at his family's homestead, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025. He was the beloved son of John J. McConnell and Bessie F. (Wigger) McConnell.

Donald was a hard worker throughout his life. One of his first jobs was with Brown Shoe Company in Potosi, and later he was employed at Pea Ridge Mines where he eventually retired. Even after retiring from the mines, Donald returned to work at the Hill Factory.

Donald was a quiet man, but when he spoke, his family listened. He loved being outdoors, enjoying activities such as hunting and fishing, and was particularly fond of watching the wildlife, including deer and birds. One of his favorite things was spending the day at his family farm, tending to the land. He could never sit still and always stayed busy, whether it was cutting wood or working in his wood shop. Donald proudly served in the United States Army.

Donald is survived by his six children: Timmy (Tracy) Wilkerson, Shelly (Pat) Cresswell, Crystal (Danny) Golden, Donnie McConnell Jr., Donna (Dennis) Skaggs, and Jimmy (Beth) McConnell. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Tiffany (Lee) Ferguson, Tj Wilkerson, Brittany (Nick) Shadrick, Brandon Golden, Haley (Justin) Jones, Kylee Cresswell, Kaylin Cresswell, Karley Cresswell, Tonya (Brant) Clark, Stephanie Boyer, Joe Lipinski, Jimmy McConnell, and Johnny McConnell, along with numerous great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other dear family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Iris McConnell, two brothers: James and Glenn McConnell, and his grandson Jordan McConnell.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at DeClue Funeral Home in Potosi. A graveside service will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri, starting at 12:00 PM and concluding at 1:00 PM. Funeral arrangements were cared for by DeClue Funeral Home.