Charles McConnell Obituary

Charles Edward McConnell

Funeral services for Charles Edward McConnell, 86, of Gore, were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Gore Event Center with Brothers Doug Bane and William Armstrong officiating. Services were under the direction of Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson.
The family will hold a private inurnment at a later date at South Bethel Cemetery in Braggs.
Mr. McConnell was born on Aug. 3, 1938, at Wolf Mountain, near Vian, to Elmer and Bertha (Noel) McConnell. He passed away on Jan. 9, 2025, at his home.
He married Leveta (Johnson) Andrews on May 6, 1977, in Stigler. She preceded him in death in December 2018.
He attended Gore Schools and graduated from high school in 1956. He announced football for the Gore Pirates from the 1970s to 2002, and enjoyed coaching Gore baseball. He also served on the school board for four years. He volunteered for the Gore Fire Department and served on the Lions Club.
He attended Connors State College for business, where he also played baseball, and graduated in 1958. He spent 42 years working in the grocery business, including stores such as Hayes Store, Box IGA, Budget Saver, and Harps.
Survivors are two daughters, Melissa Sumpter and husband Steve of Gore and Gayla Johnson and husband Waylon of Sallisaw; sons, Gary Andrews and wife Sherri of Webbers Falls, Bret Andrews of Gore, and Tad Andrews and wife Becky of Broken Arrow; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Gary McConnell and wife Ronna of Warner; and other family members and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mike McConnell, Bill McConnell and Clyde McConnell; sisters, Lahoma Cassinger, Emma Risley, Bonnie Terrell, Alice Garris, and Susie McConnell; and a grandson, Colton Andrews.
Pallbearers were Steven Sumpter, Jordan Andrews, Logan Andrews, Dakota Andrews, Gary Cunningham, and Damon Sheffield.
Honorary pallbearers were Stan Sheffield and Steve Barrick.