Gerald Oscar McConnell, age 85, passed away April 4, 2025 at St. Louis University SSM in St. Louis, MO.

He was born October 29, 1939 in Sikeston, MO, to the late Athel E. McConnell and Margaret "Maggie" Reynolds-McConnell.

On December 26, 1959, he married Judy Faye Burns-McConnell, who preceded him in death November 9, 2022.

Gerald was a life-long Sikeston resident: a graduate of Sikeston High School class of 1957; served in the National Guard; co-owner of McConnell Bros. TV for over 40 years; Sikeston Volunteer Firefighter and Rescue From March 1968 to August 1993; Past President of Sikeston Kiwanis Club 1992–1993; and a member of First Baptist Church for over 45 years – Deacon Emeritus, also past Secretary of the Deacons, and Head Usher for many years.  He enjoyed woodworking and fixing just about anything family and friends brought him,

He is survived by one son, Gregg (Jane) McConnell of Stafford, VA; one daughter, Diana McConnell-Holifield of Sikeston, MO; one brother, Athel "Junior" McConnell of Sikeston, MO; two sisters, Martha McConnell-Howell of Paducah, KY and Brenda McConnell-Vaughn of Tennessee; four grandchildren, Justin Morton of Sikeston, MO, Kyle McConnell of Austin, TX, William Cooper of Sikeston, MO, and Rebecca McConnell of San Antonio, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Lucas Morton and Toby Morton both of Sikeston, MO.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Basil McConnell, Earl McConnell, and L.C. McConnell; and two sisters, Dorothy McConnell-Brown, Alma McConnell-Riney.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 08, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. The Reverend Glenn Cantrell will officiate.

Interment will follow immediately at the Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Ponder Funeral Home.