Loren R. McConnell, 79, of Hutchinson, lover of cold beer and instigator of trouble, passed away quietly at his humble estate on August 25, 2020. He was born January 25, 1941, in Hutchinson, to Harold E. and Helen A. McConnell.
Loren was one of eight children of the notorious ‘McConnell’ clan. He grew up in a one bedroom home that instilled his combative, but comical nature. Loren was rebellious and ornery.
On the glorious day of December 7, 1962, he married Barbara Jeanne Field, in Grand Island, NE. They shared over 57 years of marriage. Although she brought grace and stability to his chaotic and crazy life, Loren’s enormous personality and humorous character remained intact. Names to describe him were as follows, but not limited to (as they cannot be printed): husband, father, son, grandpa, brother, uncle, hero, favorite, friend, ‘Lorney’, and ‘Pops’. Loren loved to travel. He spent numerous years on the road as a truck driver, and traveled extensively with family and friends. Loren enjoyed dancing, socializing, a good video poker game, and loved dogs. He will be sorely missed by all!
Loren is survived by: his wife, Barbara McConnell of Hutchinson; children, Will McConnell of Hutchinson, and Lori (Charlie) Shockley of Lawson, MO; grandchildren, Matt (Ladae) McConnell of Lawson, MO, Alec (Elisa) Loyd of Smithville, MO, Abygail (Alisia) Shockley of Liberty, MO, Makayla McConnell of Gladstone, MO, Christian Shockley of Kansas City, MO, and Charles Shockley of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren, Mason McConnell of Lawson, MO, Addison McConnell of Lawson, MO, and Sophia Loyd of Smithville, MO; brothers, Dale (Susan) McConnell of Hutchinson, and Larry (Bettie) McConnell of Hutchinson; sisters, Cheryll McConnell of Haysville, and Caryl (Alan) Woerz of Hutchinson; and sister-in-law, Lou McConnell of South Hutchinson.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and brothers, Bill McConnell, JayDee McConnell, and Doug McConnell.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2020, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Those attending the service will be required to wear a mask. To view the memorial service online, go to worshiplive.tv and select the Loren McConnell memorial folder. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Congregational Church, or Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.