John McConnell

CMSgt. John Gilbert McConnell, U.S.A.F. (Ret.)

John Gilbert McConnell, 84, of Abilene, passed away, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Abilene.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Sunday, April 28, 2024, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 29, 2024, at Wylie Christian Church, 6250 Buffalo Gap Rd., with Rev. Shawn Grisham and Rev. Doug Roysden officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00 pm, at The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.

John was born on September 26, 1939, in Nehalem, Oregon, the son of Fay McConnell and Peggy McConnell. He grew up in Seaside, Oregon, and graduated from Seaside High School in 1957. He joined the Air Force just after High School in 1957. On May 5, 1960, he married the love of his life Peggy McFall in Abilene, Texas. He retired from the Air Force in 1983 from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, as a Chief Master Sergeant. He started at West Texas Wholesale as the logistics manager until they closed in 2001. In 2001 he started with Buttery Company where he retired in 2017. John enjoyed life and especially his family who he cherished with all his heart. He was a huge sports fanatic and loved his Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

John is survived by daughter, Nikki Grisham, and husband Shawn of Abilene; son, Chad McConnell of Abilene; grandchildren, Justin, Lexi, Siera, Mikah, Sydney, and Christian, along with great grandchildren, Jace, Ashtin, Caydeyn, Kiya, Deacon, Brooks, Hunter, and Teagan.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Peggy McConnell, his daughter Kim Everett, and his parents, Fay and Peggy McConnell.

Pallbearers will be Justin Grisham, Jace Grisham, Cameron Bennett, Case Jackson, Trey Gilmore, and Shayne McFall.