Richard McConnell, 71, of Clinton, IL passed away at 4:20 AM on January 6, 2025, at his family’s home in Clinton, IL.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 2 PM at the First Christian Church, Clinton, in the Family Life Center. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton, IL with cremation rites. 

Memorials in Richards name may be directed to Second Chance for Pets, Clinton Illinois.

Richard was born on April 25, 1953, in Clinton, IL, the son of Richard Cleo McConnell and Alberta Louise (Chapman). He married Kathleen (Rinehart) McConnell in December 1971. After he and Kathy divorced, Dick married Julia Kendall in June 1980.

Survivors include two children, Richard Allen McConnell, Mattoon, IL and Shaun Patrick McConnell, Bakersfield CA. Six grandchildren, Hailey McConnell, IL, Russell Debord Jr., CA, Alexander Debord, CA, Brenden Debord, CA, Jordan McConnell, CA, and Shaun McConnell Jr., CA. Six siblings Jeanette (Rod) Sprinkle, Karen (Bob) Rice, Roberta (John) Coppenbarger, Mary Tyler, Anita McDonald, Nancy (Mark) Schindler and several nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Kathy McConnell, daughter Stephanie Lynn Debord, brother-in-law Wayne Tyler and two nieces.
 
Richard is a Clinton and Dewitt native. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1971. He participated in wrestling during high school. Before he began working on the Illinois Central Railroad, he worked with his dad at the Standard gas station in Clinton. He moved to California in 1980, where he spent many years at the Borax plant. Upon returning to the Midwest, he worked various jobs, which included working as a service writer at a car dealership and working for Midas. Richard was known to be a good friend and family man. He knew the importance of maintaining connections and friendships with family and even old classmates. He cherished his grandchildren and made valiant efforts to keep in touch and maintain relationships whether near or far. Dick will be dearly missed but we are thankful for his faith in God, that he is with Jesus now and that we will see him again!

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com