David S. O'Connell

David O'Connell Obituary

David S. O'Connell Battle Creek David S. O'Connell, 29, of Battle Creek, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2008 at his home. He was born on October 24, 1978, in Battle Creek, the son of David W. and Debra (Cain) O'Connell. David was currently a student at Kellogg Community College with a goal of entering the nursing program. He became interested in nursing while working at the Lifespan Hospice Residence where he had a great amount of compassion for and enjoyed visiting with the residents. It is there that he decided to become a Registered Nurse. David loved to cook and was previously employed at VFW Post #298. David enjoyed fishing, discussing history and he loved sports, especially the Detroit Lions. David is survived by his parents, David and Debra O'Connell; his three sisters, Diana (Kevin) Force, Dawn (Lee) Long and Dusty (Donny) Bassler, all of Battle Creek. He also leaves his paternal grandmother, Ella O'Connell of Texas and maternal grandmother, Joanne Cain of Dowling, two nieces, six nephews and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Richard O'Connell and maternal grandparents, William and Janet Cain. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Royal Funeral Home. No further services are scheduled. Memorial contributions may be given to David's family in care of Royal Funeral Home.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for David O'Connell

13 Entries

Devin Lemon

September 20, 2008

I walked away that morning, without a backward glance,
I didn't know that moment was going to be our last.
The last time I would hold you or see your lovely face,
The last time I would kiss you and feel your strong embrace.

So solid and so real,so vibrant and alive,
A happy face with twinkling eyes, my fine young man, my child.
My first-born son, my David, the apple of my eye,
so cruelly taken from me, I never said goodbye.

The shattered remnant of my heart is strangely beating still,
with holes so black and fathomless no light could ever fill.
I don't know how I face each day without my darling boy.
Gone is all the happiness, the love of life, the joy.

The years stretch on before me, so bleak and dark and long,
I pray you walk beside me, son, and help to keep me strong.
And when my life is over, come to me on that day,
and smile at me and hold me tight and carry me away.

the wind that whispers through the trees, the brightest star at night,
a rainbow on a dismal day, a shaft of golden light,
All these are signs you send to me, a message from above,
that even death can't break the bonds of Son and Mother Love...

Debbie, David,Diane,Dawn,Dusty,
If you need anything ,Just someone to talk to ,give us a call.Love Patrick,Devin ,and Kids.

Dawn Long

September 19, 2008

David you are one of the greatest gifts that God has ever blessed me with. God gave me 29 years with you that I will cherish forever. We laughed together, cried together, and shared more than most people ever get to share with another person. I love you more than I could ever put into words. God called you home and now I have to carry on without you by my side, but I carry you in my heart and that will never be taken from me because love is forever. You are with Jesus now and I rest knowing that you are happy and loved. My work here on earth is not yet done, but I know that one day we will be together again. My love is with you until then and yours with me. I LOVE YOU!

Robin Rosenberry

September 18, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am sure your wondering who I am. I remember helping David a couple of years back at time in his life when he needed healthcare. I mainly spoke with David's MOM who at the time was very worried about his health. I will never forget the concern you had for your son You are a wonderful mom and I had only met you one time. I had seen David many times since and always asked how he was doing and he looked wonderful from the first time I had met David. I will never forget the impact you had on my life. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Robin Rosenberry

Debra O'Connell

September 18, 2008

One of my hearts has flown away,to be with the Lord above. On the day God took him home,I sent with him my love. His voice I will not hear today,or in the days to come. But I know my boy is always kept safe,in God's amazing love.

Chris Finch

September 18, 2008

Dear Deb & Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Try to stay strong. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Diana Force

September 18, 2008

My dearest brother,
Who made me laugh so hard every time I seen you, I will remember those times. You are in a better place now, where there is no more pain,sorrow or sin. You were such an awesome brother,son,uncle and friend. Your nephews and nieces loved you so very much and they are going to miss you so much, as is everyone here on this temporary place we call earth. I am now asking you, up in heaven to help guide everyone down here. You are going to be missed until we see you again.
Love always and forever,
your sister Diana Force

Lylah Dodge

September 17, 2008

So very sorry for all of your loss, words or anything can not mend or replace what you had. Remember the memories, and stay strong.
Love from - Rick, Kim and Lylah

Dominique Spranger

September 16, 2008

Hey there, I just wanted to tell you all how sorry I am for the loss you are experiencing. I too cared about David. It is very sad to see someone that so many people cared about be taken away so suddenly. Just know that you (and he) are all in my prayers!! I know that he is in a better place now and that God will watch over and give peace to all of the people that are suffering because of their loss. I love you all and I will continue to pray for all of you!!!

Bob and Norma Hamilton

September 16, 2008

Dear Deb and family, Bob and I send our deepest sympathy to you and all of your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Bob and Norma Hamilton

Angie Duff

September 16, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jean Lemon

September 16, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Jenise Furman

September 16, 2008

I know there are no words to ease the pain of David's loss but feel compelled to say that everything under the sun has a time and a purpose and God's timing and reasons are not ours to question. I am sad that this young man's life has ended so early. I know that David had a lot left to give this world. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Dave...I am sorry and I love you. This family will band together and we will carry on....To all his sisters...hold your head up, be proud, raise your children, finish your education and work in your chosen fields....David's legacy will live on thru all you accomplish in this life. I love you.

Nancy Steele

September 16, 2008

Sorry for your loss. I worked with David at the hospice residence when it first opened. What a hard working kid. He will be missed.

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