Earl Paul McConnell

Earl was born on Oct. 5, 1927, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Earl graduated from Little Rock High School and then served proudly during WWII in the US Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Billie Jean Howard and they were married 68 yrs until her passing in 2014. They loved traveling, taking care of their beautiful yard, and planning family get-togethers for their kids, grandkids, and friends. He earned his MBA at William Jewell College and Earl owned Yearbook House, Inc. and School Annual Publishing Co. in Kansas City, Mo. He was a member of Kiwanis, International and served as president of the Downtown Club and Venice, Florida Club for several years. Earl and Billie volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Venice, and helped to get families settled into better living situations. They were members of First Presbyterian Church of Independence, Mo, and very much enjoyed the fellowship of attending church and planning activities with their Sunday School class.

Earl was a member of Boy Scouts of America and was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say with his son, Reed. Their times at Camp Osceola together every summer held a special place in his heart. He attended football games at KU and MU with his daughters, Barbara and Kathy, and devoted time to raising money and supporting the National Jewish Hospital and CARIH in Denver, Co. Earl was a special Dad, husband, grandparent and friend, showing his belief in the importance of faith, family, love and kindness to all people. He was a man who couldn't pass up a cookie, piece of cake, or any other delicious sweet Billie created.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sally and Reed McConnell, by his four siblings, Frances Howe, Margaret Rhodes, Reed McConnell, Hugh McConnell, his wife Billie Jean, and Grandson Caden.

He is survived by his four children, Kathy Partin (John), Barbara McGinnis (Larry), Nancy Burtnett, and Reed McConnell (Lisa). He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Kelly O’Connor,(John) Sara Reeves,(Josh) Morgan Brunscheen,(Diek) Paige Kelly,(Mike) Jamie Partin, Courtney Burtnett, Caitlin McConnell. He was also blessed with 9 great grandchildren, Emma, Zoe, Jacob, Shelbee, Caden, Dexter, Brady, Ashlyn and Keira

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Indep at 100 N. Pleasant, Independence, Mo 64050.