Richard Raymond McConnell “Dickie”, “Dick”, was born on June 22, 1946 to father, James McConnell Sr. and mother, Fannie Shoots The Door. Dick loved his family, his brothers, Curtis McConnell, Russell McConnell, Joe McConnell, Jim McConnell Jr., sisters, Ruth Todd, Lena Wright, Rosella Murdock, Florence Buck, and Myrtice Red Stone.
Dick went to school in Frazer, MT where he loved to play basketball and also participated in the band. He did join the U.S. Navy in 1965 and was medically discharged. Dick also attended MT State University Northern and Fort Peck Community College.
Dick was a wild child as a young man. Oh the stories, memories and laughs shared will not soon be forgotten. He later gave his heart to the Lord in his 20’s. He met his first wife, Sandra Perez in Wolf Point, MT in the late 1960’s. They moved to Dodge City, KS and married. Dick was an officer for the Dodge City Police Department. He also traveled with his brother in the Lord Frank Half Red. They brought Gospel to whomever and wherever the Lord led. In 1981, Dicks son, John McConnell was born; his pride and joy, his baby boy.
Upon moving back to Frazer he was a police officer for Wolf Point and Police Dispatch for Frazer as well. He also shared fond memories of work at A&S Industries. Later his son came to live with him in Montana.
He was a great father and will always be a great father, always teaching the Lord’s word, always trusting in the Lord. His love patience and kindness was ever present and will be greatly missed.
In the late 1990’s Dick reunited with his high school sweetheart, Teddi Sands. He moved to Billings and they married; a beautiful union of two loving people, who love the Lord, a friendship, a love and a marriage to strive toward.
In the early 2000’s Dick and Teddi were grandparents. His grandchildren he loved dearly, enjoyed immensely and spoiled when he could. He taught them about the Lord and supported them anyway he could. He was the greatest grandpa ever to Katherine and Maren McConnell, Emma Furshong, Maddie, Chase, and McKenzie Fanning.
As a dad, a father, and a guide in this navigation of life, we are grateful to have such a wonderful man as a father. His daughter, Jessie McConnell was brought to Christ and guided with love and kindness, forever grateful.
Dick also loved all of his family and friends. He would never turn anyone away. He was full of compassion, kindness, and joy. Opening his heart to anyone and always sharing the Lord’s word. He will be greatly missed until we meet again.
He is survived by his wife, Teddi Joy; his son, John (Jessie); Ginny (Jack), Karen (Tom), Tami (Steve); and his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.
Dick will be laid to rest at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 15 at the Oswego Catholic Cemetery in Oswego, MT. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.