Earl Orville McConaha

Earl O. McConaha was born April 27, 1929 in Circle, Montana to Elmer and Ina McConaha. He passed from this life on December 5, 2023 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He married Joyce Tokarski in 1948 in Hamilton, Montana. His wife of 70 years preceded him in death. He is survived by two daughters, Vonnie and Jenny, and one son, David, as well as 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Earl served in the military for 22 years, 2 years in the US Navy and 20 years in the US Army Reserves Active Duty. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in February 1969. Earl served overseas in two wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a Helicopter Company Commander. He received medals and honors including 13 Air Medals, 2 Army Commendations, 1 Bronze Star, 1 Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Vietnamese Medal of Honor, Vietnamese Cross of Valor, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with 3 Palms.

In retirement, Joyce and Earl worked several summers at a remote gold mine in Alaska, Earl serving as pilot in and out of the mine. They also traveled extensively after retirement having enjoyed their travels so much while in the military.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 9:00AM-11:00AM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs CO 80903.

A Committal Service with Full Military Honors will follow at 12:00PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.

The family kindly requests that any flowers sent be in the colors red, white, and/or blue. Alternatively, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Legion Post 94, PO Box 795, Stevensville, MT 59870.