Perry Connell

Perry Gene Connell, age 83, passed away January 1, 2011, at the Hospice Unit of Midland Memorial Hospital. Following a family graveside service, a memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Perry was born February 25, 1927, in Eliasville, Texas. He was the sixth of ten sons born to Albert Austin Connell and Etna Belle Lawrence Connell. He was preceded in death by six brothers: William, Albert Austin, Jr., Fred, Ted, Deane, and Roger, also his son-in-law, Paul Witten. He is survived by three brothers: Stanley Connell and Ace Connell of Killeen, Texas and Phillip Connell of Dona Ana, New Mexico. Perry proudly served in the United States Army near the end of World War II and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. After an honorable discharge, he joined other family members who settled in Killeen, Texas. While there, he met Anita Jo Smith she worked for Civil Service at Ft. Hood. They were married October 8, 1949, in her home town of Lometa, Texas. They were blessed with a son and three daughters. In 1961, Perry and Jo moved their young family to Midland. Perry's career was spent in the household goods moving industry. He owned Action Moving and Storage, an agent for Bekins Van Lines, until his retirement in 2008. Perry loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He had the excitement catching a ten pound bass on his sixty-fifth birthday at Lake Amistad. He looked forward to autumn and deer hunting season, more for the camaraderie then the hunt. Perry and Jo spent many happy hours in Ruidoso. Left to cherish his memory are: his wife of sixty-one plus years, his son Paul and wife Melinda of Spring, Texas; daughters Jane Rambo and husband Dennis, Kathy Witten, and Nancy Reynolds and husband Chuck, all of Midland. He delighted in his seven granddaughters: Elizabeth Conn, Leanne Connell Ingram and husband Zack, Carrie Rambo Brown and husband Kevin, Rachel Conn Biggerstaff and husband Rhett, Laura Rambo Chancellor and husband John, Emily Reynolds Parker and husband Andrew, and Andrea Reynolds. He is survived by his step-grandson, Will Gray and wife Sarah and his step-granddaughter Jennifer Gray Dufour and husband Jason. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke's United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3011 W. Kansas Ave. Midland, TX 79701, The American Cancer Society, 2304 W. Wadley, Midland, TX 79705, or the charity of one's choice.