John Allen McConnell

John Allen McConnell, 87 of Independence, MO passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023 at his residence.  Cremation is planned with a celebration of his life to be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel.  John was born January 1, 1936 in Jasper, MO to Ernest and Beulah Faye (Smith) McConnell and spent his early life in the Jasper area.  He enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserves and served from 1955-63.  After his time in the service he moved to Dallas, TX where he enrolled in the Gupton Jones School of Funeral Service and graduated as a licensed funeral director and embalmer.  He served 50 plus years in funeral service having worked for Speaks Chapels in Independence, Knell Mortuary in Carthage, Walker Nadler Funeral Home in Lexington, MO and Louis Memorial Chapel in Kansas City, MO before he retired in 2015.  He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior who forgave all of his sins and saved him from eternal death.  Because of this he now has eternal life in Heaven and will forever more be in the presence of the Lord.  Hobbies he especially enjoyed were riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing and singing in the Heart of America barbershop chorus which he did for more than 30 years. He was accepted as a member of Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) in 1984.  His survivors include; his wife, Sylvia McConnell of the home; 4 children, Jeff McConnell and wife Becky of Independence, MO, 3 daughters, Jennifer Holmes of Independence, MO, Jan Alderman and husband Larry of Kansas City, MO and Annie Klim and husband Robby of Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother, Denzil McConnell of Pensacola, FL; 10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a step son, Chris Spence and his wife Jan of Odessa, MO; a step daughter, Pam Staats and husband Randy of Buckner, MO; 6 step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, former wife, Sue McConnell in 2020, 8 brothers and 2 sisters.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)