Patrick Tyler Connell
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Memorial service for Patrick Tyler Connell, 31, Eudora, KS, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eudora. Burial will follow at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary–Eudora Chapel, with a visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m. Patrick passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Eudora.
Patrick was born on August 11, 1992, in Overland Park, KS, the son of Craig and Jill (Edler) Connell. At that time three older brothers welcomed him home, which later attributed to his tough guy persona. Childhood in Lenexa, KS, included school days at Christa McAuliffe Elementary and Westridge Middle School. Along with his siblings and cousins, he savored annual summer stays in Spencer and State Center, IA, with both sets of grandparents. As a teenager, he lifeguarded at the local pool. Life was full of adventure—a constant cycle of friends in and out of the house, family events, vacations, camping, fishing, and sports.
He graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 2011 and Kanas State University with a BS in Business Administration in 2015. He spent a fun-filled semester (partying) abroad, attending classes at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, in 2014.
At the time of his death, he was an accountant for Modern Manufacturing in Eudora, KS. Previously, he provided overnight trucking with Freedom Trucking, making sure the goods were available on a timely basis for all those next day deliveries. And before that, he followed in his father’s and older brothers’ footsteps taking his first job out of college at Black & Veatch, where he was also an accountant.
Patrick was active in Boy Scouts, earning the top rank of Eagle Scout; hiked 70+ miles for 10 days at the Philmont Scout Ranch in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico; was a Congressional Gold Medal awardee in Washington DC; and was one of 15 freshmen at KSU selected to represent the university on the Student Senate. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at KSU. He attended countless parties and impromptu hot tub gatherings.
Patrick was an avid fan of K-State football and basketball as well as the Kansas City Chiefs—so avid that he braved minus 4 degrees and 27 mph winds with his brother, Chris, to watch the Chiefs beat the Dolphins in January 2024. He loved to play golf, talk politics, and go pheasant and turkey hunting. A movie buff, Patrick saw Dune 2 in theaters at least 6 times. Called by many nicknames, one of his earliest—Snicklefritz—was given by his Grandma Connell.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Don and Doris (Stalzer) Edler, State Center, IA, and his paternal grandparents, Larry and Esther (DeLong) Connell, Spencer, IA.
Survivors include his parents, Craig and Jill Connell, Eudora; his brothers, Ben (Amanda) Connell, Prairie Village, KS; Nick Connell, Brooklyn, NY; Chris (Ellen) Connell, Eudora, KS; and Matthew Connell, Kansas City, MO; six nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made in Patrick’s name to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) of Johnson County Kansas and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
Love you beyond words Patrick! We have so many amazing memories together. I’m happy you are at peace and know you are watching over all of us. Fly high & miss you so much!
Whenever I got the chance to hang out with Patrick his dry humor always had my sides splitting and I was always in awe of his intellect. Patrick is a great guy who is the product of an equally great family.
They say that grief is just the love that you were never able to give and it is obvious that Patrick is loved by so many.
May God and warm memories help your family find solace.
Dear Jill and Craig, this is a wonderful tribute to Patrick! It was an honor and a privilege watching him grow into such a beautiful soul. Although there are many, one of my favorite memories is being a part of a game of Catan, which was my first, with Patrick, Nick, and Matthew. I can still see him and his smile as he was giving me “advice” on what my next move should be, only to be advised by Nick and Matthew that the move would only benefit Patrick. That move ended with all of us laughing. May you and the boys find comfort in knowing his love for his family was unmeasurable. On behalf of Christopher, Chad and me, please accept our condolences. I will keep you all in my prayers.
I am thankful to get to grow up with Patrick as my big cousin. Lots of great memories from pulling pranks on the other cousins to sneaking a beer or two from grandma Doris’s basement fridge. Many condolences to your family and you are in my prayers.
So sorry to hear this news. Extremely sorry for your loss. God speed and RIP Patrick. Sending prayers to you all.
We will forever remember Patrick for his smile and energy. It was a joy to watch him grow up with all the boys in the neighborhood. I can not imagine the grief and pray you can find comfort in his memories and know that Patrick touched many lives.
Dear Jill and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. May you find comfort in knowing that he is safe in the aros of the lord. My prayers and thoughts are with you always.
Craig and Jill, my deepest sympathy, your faith will lead you to comfort. Trust in the Lord.
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Craig and Jill,
We were shocked and devastated to hear this news. Please know that many prayers are with you and your family. God bless and comfort you all.
Our very sincere sympathy, Craig and Jill and family.
Craig and Jill, I am so sorry for your loss. Patrick was a great man, and it was a privilege having met him and talked with him these past years. I remember going to K State with him and talking to him one time in between classes back in 2014, and seeing him around campus. He was a good person, and the world is lesser without him.
Craig and Jill: This notice came as a shock to us. Losing a child is one of those unimaginable experiences that parents hope never to experience. Our prayers go out to your entire family. Bill and Sue (DeLong) Douglas
Our hearts go out to you. So very sorry for the loss of a wonderful man, Patrick. His spark in life was unmistakable. A kind soul. We will miss his presence here. May God welcome Patrick into heaven with great joy.
Patrick was a great person to work with!!! He was smart, reliable, dependable and most of all kind. I will miss him. The entire Connell family is in my thoughts and prayers.
To Patrick’s parents, siblings and other family members: I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of you to provide lasting vacation memories and you’ve all been such a joy to work with. I pray that you will find comfort knowing that Patrick is no longer suffering and is enjoying his heavenly home.
Sending love and prayers to the family.
This is a great loss. I hope you find much comfort in the good memories.
My heart aches for you Jill & your entire family. Patrick sound like an amazing son & leaves quite a legacy touching so many lives. Such a great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
Sendings lots of prayers to the Connell family. We dated a few years back and Patrick was the nicest human ever. We made great memories together, notably a road trip to hike in Colorado together! I’m so saddened by this loss. I always wanted the best for Pat and know he’s smiling at heaven’s gates.
I remember Patrick well. He was such a cool, athletic, and smart guy. The hardest hit I ever took in football was from him our freshman year at SMW, I still remember it to this day. He will certainly be missed by all.