Don Elliott Connell was born on May 23, 1952, in Jacksonville, Florida to John Henry Connell and Ella Frances (Hadden) Connell.  Don proudly served his country in the United States Army; he served two tours in Vietnam.  He was also part of the special team that aided with rescue and retrieval during the Guatemala Earthquake.  He later earned a master's degree, at Northeastern State University, majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Don married Peggy Fisher on July 6, 1973, in Junction City, Kansas.  They lived in Georgia for two years before moving to Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  They were married for 38 years before her passing in 2012.

Don was known to be a "jack of all trades".  He engaged as a mechanic repairing cars and even acted as a heat and air technician.  He worked as Security at Talking Leaves Job Corps for several years before retiring in 2012.  Don met and fell in love with Beverly Ann Liptan in July of 2012.  They shared a special bond and enjoyed their lives together.    Don savored many things in life but had a true passion for gambling and dining at Boomerang Diner.  He cherished his family and enjoyed life throughout.

Don departed this life on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Eastgate Village Retirement Center, in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the age of 72 years.  Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Frances Connell; wife, Peggy Connell; brothers, Charles Connell and Joseph Connell; sisters, Barbara Mathis and Priscilla Connell.

Surviving Don include his life partner, Beverly Liptan of the home; daughters, Lonnie Barton and her husband, Paul of Tahlequah, OK, Darlene Ralls of Wagoner, OK, Paula Smith and her significant other, Micky Wynn of Hulbert, OK; grandchildren, Natasha White of Vian, OK, Kassandra White and her significant other, Justin Coleman of Tahlequah, OK, and Maggie Thompson and her husband, Jack of Tahlequah, OK; great-grandchildren, Owen, and Hallie Thompson, and Donnie White; sisters, Edna Mitchell, Theresa Butler and her husband, Sonny, Nancy Bodiford, Betty Stocks and her husband Greg, and Lisa Cumbie and her husband, Wesley; brother, Mike Connell. Don's departure from this life will leave a great void in the lives of his family.

A celebration of life honoring Don will be held at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.