Allan James McConnell

Allan James McConnell was born January 11, 1961, at Heights Hospital in Houston, Texas, to Paul and Agnes McConnell. He was the second son of five children. He grew up in the Heights and attended Christ the King Catholic School, Hogg Junior High and Reagan Senior High School. At age 17 he joined the Music Kings, a local Texas Czech band where he was the bassist. Throughout his life he had a number of careers at which he excelled. First as a carpenter in the family business, becoming a master carpenter, and then as a journeyman machinist at Houston Grinding & Manufacturing (HGM). Following his time at HGM, Allan worked at several companies in the oil industry as both a machinist and a salesman, leading him to start his own contract services company. He married Rhonda Repka in November 1991, who he met while playing in The Music Kings for her father. They recently celebrated their 30 year anniversary. He chose to become a stay-at-home dad when his pride and joy, Nicholas, was born in February of 1997. This was not surprising as most of Allan’s life centered around God and family. Always very active in the Catholic church, Allan was an altar server when he was young and later went on to teach Catholic Traditions at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, where Nick attended. Becoming involved in parental activities at the school, he coached soccer and basketball, taking the girls basketball team to their first division title under his leadership. Not a world traveler, Allan’s faith lead him to take a pilgrimage to Israel with fellow parishioners in 2013.

As was well known, Allan never met a stranger. A great conversationalist, he knew something about everything and was truly a people person. Throughout his life, Allan built an abundant circle of friends. Many life-long musician friendships were made as he played in local clubs in Houston and the choral groups at church. He loved to tell the story that his first band was created his senior year in high school with his friends as Bad Apple which debuted at the Reagan High School talent show. His love of performing on stage had begun. Playing bass guitar came easy to him and he loved being part of the rhythm section of all the bands in which he was a member or leader. He soon was called to become a songwriter, which suited him well, since he had such a way with words. He entered one of his songs in a local songwriters showcase contest, sponsored by Capitol Records, and was chosen to record three songs in Nashville. This was a point of pride as he grew up on and loved old country music. However, always true to himself, Allan declined the sale of his songs when he found he’d have to compromise on the songs arrangements. A lifelong music lover, he was always willing to share his musical talents and gave guitar lessons to anyone who wanted to learn.

Allan resided in the west Houston area until his passing on November 17, 2021. Allan is preceded in death by his father, Paul McConnell, brothers, Emil McConnell and Lloyd McConnell. Allan is survived by his mother Agnes McConnell, wife Rhonda McConnell and son Nicholas, sister Diane McConnell, brother Alvin McConnell and his wife Cara and daughter Trista; nephew; Jamie McConnell and his wife Becky and nieces Kristie McConnell and Corrie Weichert and her husband Brandon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the McConnell family.