George E. McConnell

1933 - 2021

McConnell, George E.
George E. McConnell, beloved father, grandfather and family patriarch, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at the age of 88. George was born on January 24, 1933, the only child of Raymond Craig McConnell and Iva Arena (George) McConnell. He grew up on the family farm in Southeast Ohio, but knew he wanted more in life than to end up working in the local coal mines. Soon after graduating from high school, George enlisted in the Air Force, and after basic training was sent overseas to England where he was stationed at RAF Croughton Air Force Base in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. George met Winifred, his wife of 64 years, while stationed in England and in 1957, George, Winifred and their young son Andy returned to the family farm for a short time, eventually settling in Columbus, Ohio where George worked as a planner for the Ohio Department of Transportation for 35 years. In addition to his family, George loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, Scottish terriers and working with wood. George was an incredibly talented, self-taught woodworker who could take a piece of wood and make a beautiful mantle clock or piece of furniture, or turn a section of a tree branch into a bowl that was truly a piece of art. He is survived by his son, Andy (Beth) McConnell; daughter, Jodi-Anne (Bret) Phares; grandchildren, Joshua and Mathew (Olivia) Tye, Amy (Vern) Carter, Katie Messmer; and great-granddaughters, Brooklyn, Brianna and Baylee Carter. In England he is survived by her sister-in-law, Eileen Williams; nephews, John (Jane) Steiner, Steven (Linda) Williams; great-nieces and nephews, Karen (Richard) Taliby, Mark (Diane) Steiner, Alys Williams and Frances (Gareth) Rowley. He was preceded in death by his wife Winifred, his parents Craig and Iva, in-laws Charles and Fannie Duff, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joan and Hans Steiner, and brother-in-law Victor Williams. In honor of his wishes, the family will hold a private graveside service. In lieu of ?owers, please consider a contribution in George's memory to United Rehabilitation Services (4710 Troy Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45424) an organization that provides services for his grandson Joshua, and other children and adults with disabilities.