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Official Obituary of

William “Bill” Joseph O’Connell

July 2, 1932 ~ January 6, 2023 (age 90) 90 Years Old

William “Bill” O’Connell Obituary

William “Bill” Joseph O’Connell, 90, passed away at his home in Lewis, IN on January 6, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 2, 1932 in Terre Haute, the son of William Jennings and Maude Teresa Wortman O'Connell. Bill had 3 older sisters, Rita K. Christy, Eileen A. McDaid, and Patricia L. O’Connell, all who preceded him in death.

He was married to Judith Marie Cannady on August 30, 1958, and they had 7 children together. (She passed in 1984).

Bill worked for Western Electric for several years before going back to college to earn his bachelor and master’s degree in Teaching Administration in 1971. He taught Vocational Electricity & Electronics for Vigo County School Corporation (primarily at Terre Haute North High School) from 1972 until he retired in 1992. He also joined the Army Reserve after briefly serving in active duty and was a reservist for more than 20 years.

He enjoyed golf, traveling, hunting and fishing, and was one of the founders of “Brothers of the Woods” in 1967. He was a devout Catholic all his life and a member of Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Jasonville for the past several years. He also enjoyedspending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his seven children: BrianO’Connell, Jennifer (Larry) Latham, Eileen (Jason) Downing, Shawn O’Connell, Riley (Kim) O’Connell, Bridget (Steve) Hinesley, and Patrick (Yuna) O’Connell. Bill has 8grandchildren: Keegan (Matt) Hand, DanielO’Connell, Sarah Downing, Brendan O’Connell (Emma), Nathan Bashaw (Cassidy), Jacob (Madison) Latham, Eileen O’Connell, and Colleen O’Connell. Bill also has 3 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews: Carol Pollard, William McDaid, Michael McDaid, James McDaid, and Patty Lenne.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 E. Springhill Rd. The funeral service will be held at DeBaun on Thursday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour before the service. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

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