Mark Thomas O'Connell

Mark Thomas O'Connell, 89, of Cameron, MO passed away November 14, 2024 at Cameron Regional Medical Center in Cameron, MO. Mark was born on December 19th, 1934, the son of Peter and Cecilia (Fitzgerald)O'Connell of Osborn, MO, and is a graduate of Cameron High School.
Mark was raised on the family farm in Osborn as a third-generation farmer and learned at an early age the meaning and commitment of hard work. After high school he attended the University of Missouri for a few years before entering the draft and served seven years with the Army Reserves, while working with his father and brother on the farm which would continue on for the next 40 years as O'Connell Brothers Farms.
Mark is a member of St. Munchin Catholic Church in Cameron, and enjoyed the rural country life working side by side with his father, uncles, brother, son, and nephews, raising livestock and growing row crops. He stayed active in local sports such as baseball and softball, and was never one to miss a sports game with his nieces and nephews or a chance to throw the baseball or football around after the farm chores were finished. After retiring from farming, Mark pursued a career in Real Estate in the mid 90's and became a licensed Broker in the state of Missouri for several years.
His most beloved hobby was HAM radio, which he enjoyed the technical aspect of building his own antennas and equipment and talking to other HAM enthusiasts all over the globe, and even a few airline pilots that would tune in while flying their cross-country routes. He would maintain a license in amateur radio for over 50 years as call sign W0AWH.
The memory of Mark Thomas O'Connell will be forever in our hearts as a dedicated Missouri farmer, Father, Brother, Uncle, and friend to many.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Cecilia O'Connell; brother, John Pete O'Connell; and wife, Sharon.
He is survived by his son, Brendt O'Connell, Osborn, Missouri; 2 nieces, Mary Cay Tokic, Stilwell, Kansas and Anita Bonderer, Danville, California; 2 nephews, Kevin O'Connell, Excelsior Springs, Missouri and Tim O'Connell, Seminole, Oklahoma; and sister-in-law, Mary Ruth O'Connell, Kansas City, Missouri.
Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 AM, Wednesday November 20, 2024, at St. Munchin Catholic Church, Cameron. Visitation: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service. Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM. Burial in St. Munchin Catholic Cemetery, Cameron.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Rita's Building Fund.
Arrangements under the direction of Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron, MO.