Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Connell Obituary
He was born March 1, 1929, in Marion, the son of William J. and Stella (Robinson) Connell.
Dog, as he was known to many, was united in marriage to Patsy Douglas on Oct. 3, 1947, in Marion. Together they shared more than 60 years of marriage.
Dog retired from CIPS in 1990, after 43 years of service. He has served on the Marion City Council for 37 years. He served as a Republican precinct committeeman for more than 40 years and has served as chairman of the Williamson County Republican Party since 1992. He is member of the First Baptist Church of Marion and a life member of the Elks Lodge 800 BPOE of Marion.
Dog was a member of the 1946 Marion High School basketball team that reached the Elite 8 in the state finals. He was selected as honorable mention on the all-state team and led the South Seven Conference in scoring that year.
Dog was well-known for his kind and gentle nature and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was proud to be an American, a lifelong citizen of Marion and a member of the Republican Party. He was loved by his family and many friends and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Connell of Marion; three daughters and sons-in-law, Lila and Gilbert Bratten of Springfield, Jackie and Larry Leonard of Rochester and Jami and Mitchell Withers of Marion; one son, Robert D. "Bob" Connell of Marion; eight grandchildren, Brandy Lane, Traci Martin, Douglas Connell, Rachel Connell, Brett Leonard, Tyler Leonard, Zane Withers and Chase Withers; three great-grandchildren, twins, Noah and Avery Lane, and Karli Martin; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Charlotte Connell of Marion; other extended family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Billy Connell.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home of Marion, with Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding. Comments and remarks will be presented by Mayor Robert Butler. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday, May 5, at the funeral home. The Marion Elks Lodge 800 BPOE will conduct an Elks Memorial Ritual at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In memory of Dog Connell, memorials may be made to Hearts Helping Hearts or Marion Ministerial Alliance. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information, visit www.wilsonmcreynolds.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Connell
Doug Booth
May 6, 2008
As a former member of the Southern Illinois media and a fellow Republican in the 1980's, I got to know both Dog and Patsy well and have fond memories of both of them. Dog was a noted public servant in the best sense of the words and his service will be missed by all who care about honest, compassionate government. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all of Dog's friends at this time of loss and grief.
Melissa Drone
May 5, 2008
Dog will be extremely missed by all. He had a tremendous impact on me as well as the people of Marion. I helped Dog two years ago walking his precinct. He told me it was getting harder to walk the entire precinct. I would have walked his entire precinct every time, I had so much respect for him and I will always remember him as he is sadly missed. My sincere condolences go to his family. Miss you Dog.
Ival and Martha Maxwell
May 4, 2008
We wish to express our condolences , and pray God's love be with each of you as you lay to rest, your husband, father and grandfather. We know he will be missed, very much.
FS
May 4, 2008
Dog & Patsy mean more to me and my family than I could ever express in words. Growing up on his block, I was lucky enough to know him during my formative years. As a neighborhood kid outside playing in the hot summer sun, we all would sneak water out of the back of Dogs CIPS truck from a 5 gallon can of water with the lil paper cups. He would almost always "catch" us only to make sure we drank enough before returning to play.
Along the sidewalk in front of their house they used to have a wall made of concrete blocks. We,(every kid in the neighborhood) always knew that part of the walk to school would involve a lil balancing fun across that wall....
He was a giant of a man. RIP DOG.
Tracy & Christy Diuguid
May 3, 2008
We are sorry for your loss. The people of Marion must be grieving for this is a great loss to them as well. His 38 years of service to them shows to all his love for people, as well as his constant dedication to the GOP as chairman of Williamson county. He will truly be missed. Our prayers go out to his family.
James Lunsford
May 3, 2008
Dog was always available to whomever requested his help, he will be surely missed as a friend and a commissioner. May he rest in eternal Salvation.
Randy and Cindy Moore
May 3, 2008
Dog was a faithful friend and a dutiful public servant. Our deepest condolences to Patsy and the family. My God give you comfort and peace.
Leon McNeely & Fam
May 3, 2008
Sending our condolences to the whole family. Knew Robert for many years and a very faithful person in all He accomplished. Keep his spirit alive as He now rests and leaves the future to the rest of us.
1923-1945 Marion Resident
Margaret Kincheloe
May 3, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss patsy. My prayers are with you.
Grayson Gile
May 3, 2008
My sincerest condolences to Patsy and the family. Dog's contributions to our community through his devoted public service makes him, undoubtedly, a "Giant" among men. Regardless of partisan affiliation, Republicans and Democrats alike respected Dog for his honesty, his dedication, and his integrity. Truly a leader in every respect.
Wesley Norman
May 3, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family of Dog Connell. He will surely be missed by all of us.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Connell's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Connell
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Connell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
