William Calvin McConnel, 79 of Emmett, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005 at a Boise Hospital.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, 2005 at the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Emmett Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from noon until 8:00 p.m. at the Chapel.
Bill was born July 15, 1925 at his parents homestead in High Valley, the second of three sons born to Roy C. and Alma (Carlson) McConnel. He grew up in High Valley and had many fond memories of their home that was often filled with cousins during the summer months. He attended schools in High Valley and Montour where he graduated in 1943. In March of 1945 he was inducted into the Army and served with the 34th Combat Engineers in Korea. He married Caroline MacAskill on March 3, 1946. To this union three children were born, Sharon, Rodney and Sandy.
After his discharge he worked construction for a short time and also worked as a farm equipment mechanic. In the spring of 1964 he went into law enforcement and eventually served three terms as the Gem County Sheriff before he retired in Dec. of 1988. While Sheriff he tried to help all his deputies treat people with the idea that, "But for the grace of God go I." He was instrumental in helping to establish alternative correctional facilities for young people, so they wouldn't have to be put into jail. He also helped establish the Gem County Ambulance Service.
He was active in the United Methodist Church and the Emmett Kiawanis Club and enjoyed working on his small Emmett Bench farm.
Survivors include his wife, Caroline and his daughters, Sharon and Sandy, all of Emmett.
In addition to his son, Rodney, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Carl and Neal.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Emmett Methodist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. - Thomas Jefferson
Copyright © 2009 - Sharon McConnel. All Rights Reserved.
