MSgt (Ret) John Michael McConnell, "Mike" to family, passed away on December 21 ^st , 2020 at St. Luke's East Hospital in Lee's Summit, MO.

John was born March 08 ^th , 1949 to John Patrick and Florence "Goldie Mae" (Ricker) McConnell in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, the 2 ^nd of 7 children.  At a very young age he relocated with his family to Rockford, Illinois where he spent the remainder of his childhood and adolescence.  He graduated with the Class of 1967 from Rockford's East High School and in January of 1968, he joined the United States Air Force.

John honorably and proudly served 20 years in the Air Force.  As a proud Vietnam War Veteran, he had a couple stints in SE Asia resulting in his love of cooking Thai food and as a K-9 handler, finding his lifelong love of German Shepherds.  He was also lucky enough to be stationed at some of the "best" bases the Air Force had to offer, including: Minot AFB, ND, K.I. Sawyer, MI, The Azores, Portugal, and Whiteman AFB before retiring in 1988.  During this time, he was united in marriage (1971) to M. Gail Morrison producing 3 children and ending in divorce (1984).  He was then united in marriage (1987) to Judith Foss resulting in the gain of a stepdaughter, Lee Ann Andersen, ending in divorce (2014).  After retirement from the USAF, John worked for over 20 years in the warehouse of the Whiteman AFB BX.

He loved cooking, was an avid music lover, and an amazing wood-worker.  His favorite past-times were bowling, fishing, model cars, working on cars and attending car shows.  He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs.  However, above all else, he was a devout animal lover and owner, especially of German Shepherds.

He is survived by his children, Laura Campbell of Knob Noster, MO, Tim (Heather) McConnell of Pueblo, CO, Carrie-Anne Goodwin of Colorado Springs, CO; Grandchildren, Deja Goodwin, Wyatt (Erin) Campbell, Madilyn McConnell, Ariana Goodwin, SPC Ryan Campbell, Tyler Brannon, Quinlyn McConnell, Emma-Gail McConnell and one Great-Granddaughter, Loriella Valencia, and one Great-Grandson, Kaleb Ahern; Brothers, Dan (Gail) McConnell, Tony (Jackie) McConnell both of Rockford, IL, Vic (Cheri) McConnell of Byron, IL; Sister, Terri (Curt) Vangsness of South Beloit, IL; numerous nieces and nephews, special friends and his beloved Shep.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Pat and Frank and many beloved pets.

The family will have a small private ceremony and host a larger public memorial to be held at a later time.

For those wishing to do something in his honor, please make a donation to Save Our Shelter (SOS @Warrensburg Animal Rescue) in care of Kayla Frank may be left in care of  Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg.