John H. Connell

Herrin- John Henry Connell, 73, of Herrin, passed away at 5:55am on Friday March 18, 2005 at the Herrin Hospital. Mr. Connell was born on May 29, 1931 in Adel, GA, the eldest of four siblings, to John C. and Vinnie (Sturdivant) Connell. He married Esther Mae Taylor in Carbondale on September 10, 1951. She preceded him in death on October 20, 1997. John was the water superintendent for the Village of Energy for 20 years as well as Chief of the Energy Fire Department. Mr. Connell was a Master Sergeant in the US Army, having served for 22 years in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. Mr. Connell was a member of the Adams Street Baptist Church in Herrin, where he served as a Treasurer, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher and Discipleship Training Teacher. He was also a member of the VFW and Herrin American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, bird and squirrel watching, hat collecting and his travels to Georgia. Most of all, John enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include- 2 daughters- Vivian Lee & Bill Blades- Herrin Kathy & Ron Schumacher- Herrin 1 son- John Michael Connell- Herrin 7 grandchildren- Melissa Wade (and husband James)- Glen Carbon, IL Michelle Coriasco (and husband Jack)- Herrin, IL Amber Damico (and husband Rick)- Herrin, IL Adam Connell- Carterville, IL Alexis Ragsdale- Herrin, IL Chais & Sarah Schumacher- Herrin, IL 4 great grandchildren- Colin and Keaton Coriasco- Herrin, IL Cameron Damico- Herrin, IL Layla Wade- Glen Carbon, IL 1 Brother- James (and wife Evelyn) Connell- Adel, GA 1 Sister- Ruth (and husband Thomas) Kirkland- Columbus, GA Parakeet-Cloudy and his Poodle- Hoopie Several Nieces and Nephews Preceded by- Wife, Parents, 1 daughter- Rose Marie Connell, 1 grandson- Derek Crabtree, 1 Brother and Sister-In-Law- J.W. and Jan Connell Johnson Hughes Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Funeral services will be Monday March 21, 2005 at 1:00pm at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with the Rev. Jimmy Boozer officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military rites performed by Herrin American Legion and VFW Posts. Visitation will be from 6-9 pm on Sunday March 20, 2005 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations may be made to the Adams Street Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com