Sheldon L. McConnell

November 20, 1916 ~ October 18, 2009

Published in StatesmanJournal on November 1, 2009

SALEM ~ Shelly was born in Portland to John Laney McConnell and Anna Victoria Chilade. He had two brothers, Eldon (Laney) McConnell, who preceded him in death, and Willard J. McConnell. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Wash.

Shelly spent six years playing semi-pro baseball for several teams, including the Cincinnati Reds organization and ending with the New York Yankees.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and in 1943 reported for duty, training to be a pilot. He served in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam, being highly decorated. He retired after 28 years of dedicated active duty.

He met his wife, Marion A. Lund of Salt Lake City, in Ogden, Utah. They celebrated their 61st year of marriage last November 22. Shelly had a large collection of big band and jazz music they both enjoyed listening to, and also loved watching baseball and keeping score. They were members of Calvary Baptist Church.

Shelly adopted Marion's daughter, Cathy, who preceded him in death. Shelly's son, Shelly Jr., also preceded him in death. Shelly is survived by his wife, Marion of Salem; son, Michael of Cannes, France; brother, Willard of Renton, Wash.; nieces, nephews, many cousins and dear friends, and one grandson. Shelly was a hero to many and to our country. He was everyone's favorite uncle.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., November 6, 2009 at Calvary Baptist Church, Salem, reception to follow.

There will be a military service at Willamette National Cemetery with full honors at 1:30 p.m.