Scott Winters O'Connell

Scott Winters O’Connell, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on April 27, 2023 at the age of 63. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death. His smile, sense of humor and love for his family will never be forgotten.

A native Texan, Scott was born on May 1, 1959 in San Antonio where he grew up along with his seven brothers and sisters. He attended the University of Texas graduating with a degree in Communications. It was there he joined the Kappa Alpha Order and remained active in his fraternity until his passing. He went on to earn an MBA from Incarnate Word and his JD from St. Mary’s University, both in San Antonio. At the time of his death, he was a Construction Superintendent for HOMES in El Paso, TX, but previously held positions in both banking and real estate.

Scott possessed a unique gift that made him the life of every party, turning the most ordinary of moments into lifelong memories with just a single word or joke. His humor was infectious, from his one-liners to his silly antics, he could always light up a room with joy and laughter. No family gathering was complete without his bright smile and contagious high pitched laugh. It was always the highlight of any party when, to no one’s surprise, he would jump on the stage with any band and sing “Brown Eyed Girl.” As the saying goes, he never met a stranger, and he was adored by all who had the pleasure to know him.

Perhaps even more meaningful, behind that larger-than-life personality there was a heart that overflowed with love for his family. He was a strong Christian and devoted husband to his wife CeCelia for 39 years. They were college sweethearts who met in his senior year. Their marriage was a partnership built on unwavering mutual support, a love story that reminds us all of the beauty of a committed, enduring bond.

And then there was his son, Jordan - the source of immense pride and joy. Scott embraced fatherhood with unmatched enthusiasm and unbounded love, always ready to be the best dad he could be; and Jordan was his greatest accomplishment. He poured his heart into every moment, cherished every laugh, every milestone, and every shared experience. For Jordan, Scott was a constant pillar of support and an unwavering source of love.

Scott’s love for his family was equally limitless, and he loved nothing more than a large family get together. You could almost always find him at the kids’ table or in the playroom, cracking jokes and leaving everyone in hysterical laughter. He spent countless hours with his nieces and nephews, playing or doing anything they asked, from pitching the baseball for hours, to hitting golf balls, to taking the girls on a shopping spree, Scott was simply the best and always up for anything!

Scott is survived by his loving and devoted wife, CeCelia Stone O’Connell; his mother, Betty Howell O’Connell; his family: Warren Thomas O’Connell, Charity O’Connell Cox (Wally), Wayne Allan O’Connell, Barbie Sumner O’Connell, Arch Adams and Robert Lynn Howell (Ruann) Dee Werner O’Connell; Debra Stone Gertz and Susan Spalter, Richard Bryan Stone, Jr. (Bess); and his nieces and nephews: John Christopher O’Connell, Patricia Anne O’Connell, Donald Patrick Yarbrough, Mollie Yarbrough Steele (Andrew), Alexandra O’Connell Day (Rob), Neal Thomas O’Connell, Jacqueline Paige O’Connell, Mackenzie Anne O’Connell, Bingham Adams Sheldon, (Tyler), Leah Howell and Quinn Howell (Darla), Glen Marshal Gertz (Brittany), Emily Stone Wheeler (Patrick), Sarah Stone Teten (William), Andrew John Stone, and many loving great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his son, Jordan Winters O’Connell; his parents, Williston John O’Connell and Mollie Winters O’Connell; his siblings John Patrick O’Connell, Paul Howell, and Susan Howell Adams; and his nephew Richard Tyler Gertz.

We are thankful and comforted knowing that Scott was greeted into the loving and eternal arms of Jesus Christ and reunited with his son. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25 - 26.

There will be a celebration of life on Tuesday, May 9th, four o’clock, at the Second Baptist Church on Wood Way in Houston, Texas. Immediately following there will be a reception held in the Deacon’s Parlor. If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association or the charity of one's choice. Please visit Scott’s online memorial tribute at www.dignitymemorial.com, where memories, photos, words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestfuneralhomeeast.com for the O'Connell family.