Kelly Shea McConnell, 50, of Overton, Nebraska, formerly of Marysville, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2013, from colon cancer surrounded by his family.

He was born August 28, 1962, in Portland, Oregon, his parents were Ronald Gene and Dian Rose (Rohnert) McConnell.

Kelly was a Lexington High School graduate and worked for Randy's Body Shop during his high school years. Kelly was also active in the FFA. Following graduation he spent 7 or 8 years working for the Nebraska Game and Parks with his friend, mentor and boss, Brownie Wamsley. He then moved to Chadron where he learned his welding trade through the Job Corps. While in Chadron he was a member of the Chadron Wildland Fire Fighter Team. He then spent 23 years working as a welder for the Landoll Company in Marysville, Kansas, moving back to Nebraska to be near his family.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Kelly's loves included working on trucks, welding, camping, fishing, being outdoors, rodeos, especially bull riding, and spending time with his family. He will be missed dearly.

Kelly is survived by one son, Ronald McConnell of Friend, Nebraska; daughter, Angelea McConnell of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; brother, Tim (Deb) McConnell of Paxton, Nebraska; sister, Kimberly (Wayne) Sheen of Overton, Nebraska; nieces, Kaitlyn McMahon & Michaela McConnell; nephew, Brian McMahon; aunts, Jo (Keith) Swartz of Lexington, Nebraska and Cindy (Gary) Flint of Lexington, Nebraska; five cousins; Jason, Justin & Jerad Swartz; Heather Wingate, & Jacob Flint; along with extended family and friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother, Mike.

His family honored his wishes for cremation.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, August 2, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner officiating. Inurnment will be held later that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.