John Albert “Jack” McConnell, 89, passed away July 11, 2024, in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born April 6, 1935, to the late H.E. and Margaret Covert McConnell, in Clinton, Pennsylvania. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Sue Ellen McIlroy, in Poteau, Oklahoma, on June 6, 1954. They enjoyed 70 years of marriage together. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Jane McCuistion and Marie Baker; and brother, Ed McConnell.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Ellen, of the home; four children, John II and wife Mary of Levelland, Texas, Paul and wife Lisa of McPherson, Kansas, Mark and wife Jolene of McPherson, Kansas, Jo Ellen Dare of Rogers, Arkansas, and son-in-law, Craig Dare of Stockton, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; eight nieces; three nephews; many friends and hundreds of students’ lives he touched in more than 30 years of teaching.
A private celebration of life will be at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the compassionate care of Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home.
