Daniel “Dan” James O’Connell, age 80, of Kansas
City, Missouri died May 18, 2026 at Medicalodges of Butler, Missouri. Graveside services will be
held at 9:00 am May 29, 2026 in Leavenworth National Cemetery with Military
Honors. Arrangements entrusted to
Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). In lieu of flowers, please
make a contribution to your favorite charity or go out and enjoy the day with
loved ones and good food! Messages of condolence may be left for the family at
www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Dan was born January 30, 1946 to John and
Elizabeth O’Connell. He grew up on the West side of Kansas City, Missouri with
his brothers Mike and Pat and sister Ann. During his earliest youthful years he
talked about carving his initials on the Scout statue overlooking Kansas City
and the many hours with his friends and dogs at that park and out on the cliffs
before Crown Center was built. He described himself as a “pretty good kid” who
wanted to be a logger when he grew up. He liked to participate in the neighborhood
boxing matches for fun. He was also an altar boy for the Sacred Heart Catholic
Church.
He went to several Kansas City public schools
before he found his path to earn his GED and shortly after enlisted in the Air
Force. He spent time during the Vietnam War stationed in Thailand as an Air
Traffic Controller. He helped navigate many planes to safety and in record
times.
Dan was known by a few names along his life,
“Danny Boy”, “Angel Boy” and “Dan-O” to name a few. Dan was known to be a good
boxer and for riding motorcycles. He enjoyed going to fairs and was involved by
mentoring youth in 4H and the American Royal. He raised rabbits and showed them
under the “Irish O Farms” logo. He helped many people throughout his life in
various and silent ways. He liked to tell stories of when he drank with Johnny
Cash and rode motorcycles with Evel Knievel. He was also an amateur photographer.
Dan ran a few businesses and was a salesman most of his life. He loved finding
bargains and going to sales. He also loved birds, rabbits and koi, eating BBQ,
Cashew Chicken, ice cream and cream puffs! Dan was a storyteller, loved to joke
around with everyone and get a good rise or laugh out of people all the way to
the end.
He married Loretta Babcock in November of 1969,
that marriage lasted for a little over 25 years. From that union two children
were born Thomas and Danelle.
Dan was preceded in death by both parents,
brothers Mike and Pat and sister Ann Lane.
He is survived by his son Thomas (Kirstie) O’Connell, daughter
Danelle O’Connell, 3 grandchildren Brennan, Sean and Ariel and one
great-grandson Ryder and many nieces and nephews.
