Clarence "Chuck" Connett

Marion- Clarence Chuck Connett, 89, of Marion, passed away due to complications of old age at 10:02 PM, Friday, October 5, 2007 at The Fountains Care Center in Marion. Chuck was born on June 17, 1918 in Crab Orchard to Vernon & Golda (Springhart) Connett. He attended Crab Orchard High School and was a member of the Crab Orchard basketball team that went to the state tournament. After high school, he went to work in the local coal mines. He married Ruby Ice on September 15, 1940 in Paris, TN. She survives of Marion. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1944. He was stationed in Texas, Colorado and Utah and taught the use of the electronic Norden bombsight which was highly classified and used on the heavy bombers in WWII. After the war he engaged in a number of business opportunities, worked for several companies, including Kimmel Auto Supply in Marion & Chester. He retired in Marion as an insurance adjuster having worked for the Farm Bureau and Hawkeye Insurance Company. He was a fifty year member of the Marion Elks and Masonic Lodge. He participated in many Elks activities throughout his life. Chuck grew up hunting and fishing in the Crab Orchard area and never lost his love of the outdoors. He continued fishing even after he had trouble baiting a hook or cleaning and frying the fish. He was St. Louis Cardinals Fan. He built a house at the Lake of Egypt where he and Ruby lived for a number of years and then he built another house just south of Marion where he resided until his death. He was an avid gardener and always looked forward to the time when the ground was thawed and dry enough to till. Survivors include- Wife of sixty seven years- Ruby Connett of Marion Son & daughter in law- Bishop Bill & Joyce Connett of Ann Arbor, MI Four Grandchildren- Shannon Connett & wife Melissa of Alton Heather Downs & husband Kent of Pleasant Grove, UT Heath Connett & wife Rachelle of Wichita, KS Joel Connett & wife Rachel of American Fork, UT Seven Great Grandchildren- Tyler, Brady, Samantha, Brookelle, Devin, Caden & Austin He was preceded in death by his parents, son- Robert Bob Connett and his sister- Ethel Rentfro. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather and will be remembered for his love of his family, his hard work and honesty and his love of the outdoors. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. His son, Bishop Bill Connett will officiate. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Marion VFW and American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Chuck and his family would like to thank the many family, friends, nurses and doctors who provided loving care to him and Ruby during his time of illness.