Gary Joe O'Connell

Gary O’Connell was born in Central Illinois on May 3, 1946. Son of Howard and Loretta O’Connell, he was the youngest sibling of five. Gary left Central Illinois at the age of 17 to pursue a career in aviation where he dedicated 40 years of service. Gary is a graduate of Embry-Riddle University, Aeronautical Institute, Daytona Beach, Florida. He served two tours of Duty in Vietnam with the United States Navy as a plane captain. Gary also served his country in Desert Storm, Gulf War as crew chief with the United States Air Force. Retiring from the Air Force with 30 years of service.

Gary moved to Chicago in the early 1970’s where he met his wife Karyn Polletta O’Connell. Gary is survived by his wife Karyn; two daughters, Bridgett Lowery (Vince), Tanya Shepherd (Ritch); two grandsons, John Henry Lowery ,12, and Owen Connell Shepherd, 10.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Flanner Buchanan-Zionsville, 105 West Pine Street, Zionsville, Indiana at 12PM with visitation prior from 9:30AM to noon. Inurnment will immediately follow at West Ridge Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.