Marvin D. McConnell

Marvin D. McConnell, 91, of Springdale, Ark., died Sept. 23, 2012. He was born July 30, 1921, in Shelby County, Ill., to William and Lucille McConnell. He grew up on a farm and joined the Navy at the age of 21. He met the love of his life, Doris, at age 24 and they were married shortly thereafter. They had just recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. Marvin and Doris made their home in Decatur, Ill. He attended James Milliken College at night while working, and eventually became the chief engineer of Cashco Inc. in Ellsworth Kan. He was a World War II Navy veteran, Divebomber AG15 aboard USS Essex, holder of DFC Air Medal, Gold Star and Personal Plus Unit Presidential Citations. Marvin enjoyed fishing and golfing and was a member of Elks Lodge #718. His retirement days were spent traveling with friends and family. Marvin and Doris moved to Arkansas in 2010, when their great-grandaughter was born. Survivors include wife, Doris of Springdale Ark.; son, Michael McConnell of Denton, Texas, and his wife, Sandy; daughter, Gail McConnell of Bentonville, Ark.; granddaughter, Kim McConnell of Sugarland, Texas; granddaughter, Julie Vaught and her husband, Jamey, of Fayetteville, Ark.; great-granddaughters, Abby and Mia Vaught. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille McConnell; and two brothers, John and Lloyd McConnell. A memorial service will be held at Nelson Berna Funeral Home, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, Ill., at a later date. Memorials may be made in his memory to either the Humane Society (www.humanesociety.org) or to Fellowship Bible Church of NWA (www.fellowshipnwa.org). Marvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed.