John Philip McConnell passed away at his Clarkston home Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, at the age of 98. He was born June 24, 1925, to Amos and Della McConnell, in Sandpoint.
While a senior in high school at age 19, Phil was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from 1943-46. During his military service he married his high school sweetheart Bette Jane Johnson in 1945.
After his discharge, Phil and Bette moved several times, living first in Spokane, where Phil held various jobs, and in Boise (1959) working in dairy processing. They moved to Clarkston in 1975 working for Burkes Furniture, before opening McConnell Upholstery in 1981. Phil retired from the business in 1987.
In his retirement, Phil enjoyed spending hours in his woodworking shop, always reminding his helpers to measure twice, cut once. He had a natural talent for creating with wood and tole painting. He proudly shared his finished projects with family and friends.
He looked forward to summer months when he could travel with the Good Sam RVing group, playing games and enjoying camp food with friends. He could back up a trailer better than most well into his senior years. On any given day you could find Phil sitting in his chair with a cup of green tea. He would be reading a Louis L’Amour novel that he had likely read several times. A good day would end with a root beer or a big bowl of ice cream.
He often said that the highlight of the past several years were the days he spent with his dear friend, Eldora Fitting.
Phil received his high school diploma at the age of 80 and proudly graduated with the Clarkston High School Class of 2005 (the event was featured in the Lewiston Tribune).
Phil is survived by his sons: Timothy (Kelly) McConnell, of Clarkston, and Jerry (Kathie) McConnell, of San Antonio; daughter Melanie (Bob) Young, of Rathdrum, Idaho; sister Pat Brockman, of Seattle; brother Dave McConnell, of Lewiston, and daughter-in-law Young Ai McConnell, Leesburg, Va. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Jennifer Lidar, Timothy McConnell Jr., Andrew McConnell, Mary McConnell, Philip McConnell, Mi Young Brady, Sarah Steward, Whitney Kelman, Nancy McConnell, Matthew McConnell and Aaron Goodlett, and 23 great-grandchildren.
Phil was preceded in death by his mother and father Amos and Della McConnell; wife Bette Jane Johnson; son John McConnell Jr.; sisters Glenna Crumpacker, Elizabeth Berg and Della Dean Flack; brothers George “Bud” McConnell, Mike McConnell and Tony McConnell, and great-grandson Tristan McConnell.
Services will include a visitation with rosary recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, 920 21st Ave., Lewiston. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1109 Chestnut St., Clarkston, with the Rev. Jeff Core officiating.
The family suggest donations in Phil’s memory be made to Holy Family Catholic School, 1002 Chestnut St., Clarkston, WA 99403.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Friday, October 13, 11:00 AM
- Location
-
Holy Family Catholic Church
1109 Chestnut Street
Clarkston, Washington 99403
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