William R. O'Connell Sr.

William R O’Connell Sr., 78, of Morrisonville, IL passed away Friday, June 3, 2005 at 6:00 AM at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.

He was born on May 11, 1927 in Clinton, IL the son of Stephen E. and Thelma L. (Armstrong) O’Connell. He married Eloise M. Scholz on August 30, 1952 in Houston, Texas. Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant son, Daniel Martin O’Connell.

Mr. O’Connell graduated from the Rolla School of Mines and Minerals and was director of the Decatur City Water Department for 18 years and Long Creek Water Department for 8 years. He was past president of the American Waterworks Association, member of St. Maurice Catholic Church and Leslie Reddick American Legion Post 721. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during World War II.

Survivors: Wife, Eloise M. O’Connell of Morrisonville; Sons, William “Bill” (wife, Catherine) O’Connell of Morrisonville, Brian (wife Terri) O’Connell of Duluth, GA and Patrick (wife, Carolyn) O’Connell of Tracy, CA; 16 Grandchildren; Brother, Stephen E. “Barney” O’Connell of Morristown, NJ; Sister, Betty Pauls of Decatur, IL; 7 nieces and nephews and several cousins.

Friends may call on Monday, June 6 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Moffitt-Perfetti Funeral Home in Morrisonville. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 7 at 10:30 AM at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Morrisonville, with Rev. Chris Comerford officiating. Burial will be in St Maurice Catholic Cemetery. Leslie Reddick American Legion Post 721 will conduct military honors at the grave.

In memory of William R O’Connell memorials may be made to St. Maurice Catholic School.

Moffitt-Perfetti Funeral Home in Morrisonville is in charge of arrangements.