Jim Jefferson Connell, a resident of Dewar, died Oct. 1, 2015 at his home in Dewar at the age of 85. He was born Tuesday, May 6, 1930 in Okemah to Frank Connell and Bessie (Brumfield) Connell.
He married the love of his life, Dona Souders on May 20, 1953 in Nuyaka, Oklahoma.
He bravely served the United States during the Korean War in the US Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Doloris Connell, Francie Gorman, Birdie Gee, Loucille Mattack, and Bernice Chasteen, and two brothers, D.S. Connell, and Calvin Connell.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dona Connell of the home; three children: Donna Parsley and husband Jim of Henryetta, James Connell and wife Candy of Dewar, and ReBecca Yandell and husband Robert of Beggs; six grandchildren: Daniel McIntosh of Henryetta, Chuck McIntosh of Henryetta, Joe McIntosh of Henryetta, Misty Baker and husband Jimmy of Dewar, Christina Cantrell of Beggs, and Jonathan Yandell and wife Angela of Texas City, Tex.; one brother, Bill Connell and wife Etta of Yale; two sisters, Carolyn McKinney and husband Bill of Broken Arrow, and Erma Stuckey and husband David of Moore, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be Joe McIntosh, Chuck McIntosh, Jonathan Yandell, Jimmy Baker, James Conners, and Leo Lassiter. Honorary Pallbearers will be Troy Barnett, Earl Dickey, Merle Dickey, Daniel McIntosh, Dee Tabor, and Ricky Pulliam.
Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5 at Integrity Funeral Service with family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Dewar at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015 with Rev. Robert Yandell, officiating. Interment will follow at Okmulgee Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.