William “Bill” Keith McConnell, son of William Edward and Lela Irene (Canada) McConnell, was born October 28, 1938, in Joplin, Missouri, and passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024, at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri, after a courageous battle with COPD.
Bill led a full and active life. As a child, he and his sisters worked at the Ya’ll Come Inn Cafe in Mansfield, Missouri, helping their mother who ran the eatery. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a parachute rigger, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. Bill received an honorable discharge after serving his country for four years.
He returned to Mansfield and it became the heart of his life. He raised his family there, was deeply rooted in the community, and remained a resident for the rest of his days. A man of many talents, he owned numerous businesses, and also worked in many other roles including electrician and police officer. He was actively involved with the Mansfield Lions Club for many years, making significant contributions to the community. Bill was a familiar and friendly face at local coffee shops for decades.
Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Lynn Kersey; a sister, Betty Gardner; and a special friend, Sharon Stuart.
He is survived by two daughters, Cindy (Steve) Malone of Stockton, Missouri, and Becky McConnell of Mansfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Devin (Stacy) Davis, Amanda Davis, Doug (Tiffany) Kersey, and Chris Kersey; several great and great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beverly Sievert and Pat Fry, both of Springfield, Missouri; and his best friend of over 45 years, Mike (Hazel) Stuart of Mansfield, Missouri
In remembrance of Bill’s life: The family asks that any charitable donations be made to either of his favorite charities: The Wright County Children’s Home in Norwood, Missouri or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
