Donald Edward Connell

Donald Edward “Don” Connell, 86, of Abilene passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021. Don was born on June 18, 1935 in Chambers County, Alabama to Dalton Eureka Connell and Eunice Inez (Partridge) Connell. 

Don married Earlene Wheeler on December 19, 1954 in Lanett, AL. He was a proud United States Navy Seabee from 1953 until his retirement in 1977, traveling across the world through his exemplary and decorated career. Prior to living in Abilene, Don built a home with his own hands in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi where he could fish and enjoy the coast. He loved bowling with his wife Earlene, which was just as much about being with friends as it was about the game.  No matter where home was, he meticulously maintained a place where all the people he loved and took care of could gather.  All of those who were blessed enough to call Don a friend or family know how generous a man he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dalton and Eunice Connell and his sister Lora Howard as well as his daughter Donna (Connell) Robinson. 

Don is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Earlene Connell; son, David Connell and wife Cheryl; his sister-in-law Charlotte Wheeler; his son-in-law Gary Robinson; his niece Samantha and her daughter Haley, and all those who know him as Paw Paw; Dylan, Becky, Daniel, Douglas, Chris, Eli, Eiley, and Tristan.

Visitation hours will be from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 27 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 28 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 W. Lake Road.