William Kenneth McConnell's Obituary
Ken was born in Dallas, TX March 6, 1929 and completed his earthly life on October 12, 2015. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, and Texas A&M University. Ken married Peggye Harper while at A&M and after graduation was a commissioned officer in the army. Ken and Peggye’s first son was born in Germany where he was stationed. After returning to Dallas, Ken took graduate courses at SMU and then earned his CPA license. Ken was active in numerous business and civic endeavors and practiced accounting for over 60 years. He held leadership roles in White Rock Kiwanis Club, East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and White Rock YMCA. Ken and Peggye raised three children in Dallas and were married 35 years before Peggye passed away. In 1990, Ken married Jane Hill Dean and they enjoyed 25 wonderful, joyful years together. Ken was a loyal Aggie, Class of ’51, and a very patriotic American! Besides his CPA practice, which he loved dearly, Ken enjoyed many years playing golf, especially at the Byron Nelson ProAm. The Dallas Opera was also special to Ken. He and Jane have had season tickets for 25 years and were co-presidents of the Opera Guild. For the past 18 years, Ken and Jane have been blessed with life at their ranch in beautiful East Texas and the many dear friends who welcomed them to Palestine. Ken loved the Lord and was a faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Dallas and St. Phillip’s Episcopal in Palestine. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Allen (Grote) and Inez McConnell; his wife, Peggye Harper McConnell; his brother, Allen Jr., son Ken, Jr., and son, Robert Glenn. Ken’s great McConnell grandparents are buried in the historic Dallas Pioneer Park Cemetery. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jane McConnell; loving daughter, Melinda McConnell and spouse, Susan; sister, Pat McConnell; grandsons, Trae, Chris, Jake and Brandon; great grandchildren, Crystal, Allyssa, and Michael; and step-daughter, Laura Dean. In lieu of flowers, please honor Ken with a memorial donation to St. Phillips Episcopal Church, 106 East Crawford, Palestine, TX, or Texas A&M Foundation, Corps General Scholarship Account in memory of William Kenneth McConnell. 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Palestine, TX on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to doctors, caregivers and dear friends who have given such support and comfort.
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