John "Larry" McConnell

John Lawrence "Larry" McConnell, of Warsaw, Indiana passed away at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 85. He is remembered for his gentle spirit, his quick wit, his hearty laugh, and love of music, road trips, nature and humankind. He was steady and even-keeled, quick to laugh, slow to anger, and cared deeply for others. He was the best whistler on the planet, and broke into song frequently, always in tune. He was an expert fish scaler and campfire cook.

A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana, he was born with his twin sister, Linda on December 5, 1939, in Warsaw to Bessie Geneva (Snellenberger) McConnell and Roger Nolan McConnell. Larry graduated from Leesburg High School in 1959. A few months later he married the first love of his life, Joyce M. Adkins, on October 10, 1959. They shared a lifetime of memories and celebrated 44 years of marriage before she passed away on July 7, 2004. Larry was blessed to have met someone to spend his later years with and he married Coraethel May (Alspaugh) Webb on January 4, 2005. They shared 15 years together before she passed away on September 28, 2020. Larry remarried on July 17, 2022, to Janice Engelberth, who survives.

Larry was a hardworking man his entire life, employed as a technical development specialist at Kimble Glass in Warsaw, retiring in 2001. Throughout his life he enjoyed gardening, fishing, traveling, playing his dulcimer and being a Hospice Volunteer for many years. Larry was a long-time committed member and a devoted parishioner at Dutchtown Brethren Church in Warsaw, dedicated to serving his Lord in many capacities within the church. Larry served as a Trustee and was installed as a Deacon in 2010. As a dad, he served as adventure leader with Boy Scouts, planned elaborate road trips, educated us on car maintenance and repairs, taught us how to camp, and was a role model and provider. He was the dad that always filled the cars' gas tanks on the weekend and thought carefully through the needs of others. He was meticulous about important details, and still left time for recreation and the outdoors. He also found joy in helping care for neighbors in their time of need, and was quick to offer his time and energy for others.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Janice Engelberth McConnell (Warsaw, IN); son, Tom J. (wife Tracy) McConnell (Muncie, IN); and his daughter, Martha K. McConnell (Friday Harbor, WA). Larry is also survived his brother Nolan McConnell and his wife Bonnie (Austin, MN), and by five adoring grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Krystal McConnell; Scott and Brittni McConnell; Suzanne and Garrett Bishop, Monica Rose and Nick Steinhaus; and Danielle and Everett Wood, as well as great-grandchildren Owen, Sutton, and Olivia McConnell, and is preceded in death by infant great-granddaughter Avyanna Bishop.

In addition to two of his wives, he was also preceded in death by his parents, baby daughter Nancy, son Mark, and several siblings and their spouses, including: Linda and Dean Hair, Glen and Fanny McConnell, Patricia and John Stookey; Dorcas and Elzin "Kip" Kipker, David and wives Joy and Dodie McConnell; and Jim and Ann McConnell.

His extended family is large and was very important to him. Gatherings with both the McConnell clan and his Adkins family were a highlight in his life, as he was close with all of his family. Reunions were frequent and he cherished potluck meals, holidays, and playing cards with in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Our deep and sincere gratitude goes out to the Engelberth family, Home Instead, and Heart To Heart Hospice for helping care for dad in his last weeks. We are forever grateful. Through it all, Dad remained his witty self, caring for those around him and loving everyone equally and deeply. His legacy is one of peace, grace, and joy and he will remain forever with us.

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana. Following visitation, Larry's life will be celebrated with a service at 2:00 p.m. and officiated by Dave Robison. Burial will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, Indiana.

Memorial donations in Larry's memory may be directed to Dutchtown Brethren Church, 4057 E. 300 N., Warsaw, IN 46582.