Charles Kevin McConnell

Charles "Kevin" McConnell passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was born August 6, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri to Charles and Beverly Steele McConnell. Kevin grew up in Independence, MO, the oldest of three sons. He spent lots of his time on the farm with Granny and Gramps in Weston, MO before he became employed by the United States Postal Service. In 1979, he married the former Carol Kerns and to that union was born two daughters, Lauren and Devin. He enjoyed 16 years of marriage with Carol in Tonganoxie, Kansas before they parted ways. His employment led him to Oklahoma where he remained until retirement in 2011. During his residence in Oklahoma, Kevin reunited with his high school sweetheart and childhood friend, Tambrie Gayler. Kevin and Tammie spent 10 years together in Oklahoma before moving to Colorado in 2014, a place he always wanted to live. Kevin felt most comfortable outdoors and in his cowboy boots. He loved campfires and old country songs. He held a certain kind of awe for nature, finding the history and development fascinating. When Kevin wasn't working in the garden or hunting rocks and gems, you could find him riding his horse, Whiskey; playing pool, watching Gunsmoke or Ancient Aliens, and spending time with family and friends. His love for hunting was more than a hobby and led to many lifelong friendships. He especially loved the annual spring rattlesnake hunt in Oklahoma and fall pheasant hunt in Kansas; both trips he enjoyed for many, many years. Above everything else, Kevin was always eager to lend a helping hand to those who needed it; neighbors and strangers alike. He believed in respect, hard work, and having a good time. Kevin is survived by his parents, Charles and Beverly; wife, Tammie; daughters, Lauren Grenier (Matt) and Devin McConnell; grandson, Oliver Grenier, "the light of his life"; brothers, Craig and Keith; two step-grandchildren, Hannah and Hayden Grenier, and one niece, Katy Molthan (Brandon). He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Emma and Willie Steele, and Josephine and Gerald McConnell. He will be missed by family, many friends, former Postal co-workers and lots of hunting buddies. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 7, 2016 from 1pm-3pm at Snow Creek in Weston, Missouri. A brief service will be held at 2:00 p.m. conducted by guest speaker, Paul Norman with the opportunity to share your own thoughts or stories about Kevin following shortly after. Dress code: Jeans and cowboy boots! The address to Snow Creek is: 1 Snow Creek Drive, Weston, MO 64098. A special thanks to the Radiology staff at Poudre Valley Hospital for taking such good care of him during his weekly trips to the Hospital.

Tributes

Charles Kevin McConnell

August 6, 1956 - April 24, 2016