William D. Connelly "Bill"

Mr. Connelly was born in Topeka, Kansas, his family moving to Independence, Missouri, when he was a child. He was a graduate of Northeast High School in Kansas City. He began serving the public in his first job as a delivery boy for Wetherill’s Drug Store across the street from his parent’s home at age 11 for 10 cents an hour delivering prescriptions.

After graduating from high school Mr. Connelly became a meat cutter at a major grocery store on the Plaza in Kansas City. He was a member of Amalgamated Meat Cutters Local 576 for 47 years and continued his membership even after becoming a grocery store owner.

He was known for his friendly manner, sense of humor, and treating customers as he would like to be treated. He retired after selling his last grocery store, Kentucky Hills Thriftway in Independence.

Mr. Connelly served his country nine years in the Missouri National Guard as a master sergeant in the 35th Infantry Division, 110th Engineers Battalion, Company D.

He was recognized as a civic volunteer in Independence where he served as a volunteer tour guide at the historic 1879 Chicago & Alton railroad station for 11 years. Mr. Connelly was also a member of the Historical Society at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate where he gave time in participating in special fund-raising activities to purchase and return original furnishings to the home.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Austin Healey Club of Kansas City, and the American Lock Collectors Association. He and his wife were long time collectors of antique Americana.

William D. Connelly was proceeded in death by his mother Grace and father Donald and one sister, Marjorie Wingate. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Madelyn; his sister Marilyn Hardie; his son Don and daughter Cindy Ledford; three grandchildren and five great-grandsons.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday January 4 at D.W. Newcomer’s & Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery. Visitation and a celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. prior to the 2 p.m. service; graveside will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Salvation Army. The family requires masks for all attendees.