John E. O'Connell

Funeral services were held Friday, November 19, 2010 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Bassfield, MS for Mr. John “Johnny” E. O’Connell, age 82, of Prentiss, MS who passed away November 17, 2010 at University Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Interment followed at St. James Catholic Cemetery. Father Eappen Joseph officiated. Saulters Moore Funeral Service of Prentiss was in charge of arrangements. Pall bearers were Timmy Daughdrill, Gavin Daughdrill, Kevin Burns, David Davis, Robert Verdun and Moochie Speights. John Edward O’Connell was born on November 5, 1928 in Bassfield, MS. He was the son of Albert Edward O‘Connell and Constance Terrell O‘Connell. He served his country in the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Bassfield, and was instrumental in founding St. Mary’s Catholic Mission in Prentiss. He was a lifelong resident of Jefferson Davis County, serving on the Board of Supervisors, and serving as President of the Board. He was a local businessman and former owner of South Central Ready Mix and South Central Construction. He was a very beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary O‘Connell; daughters, Dr. Debbie O’Connell, Dianne Hazard and husband Wyatt, Donna Knight and husband Terrell, all of Jackson; stepsons, Greg Davis and wife Jan of Houston, Texas and Dr. Bert Davis and wife Karen of Sanabel Island, Florida; grandchildren, Katie Hazard, Sara Hazard, Connell Knight, Lucy Tucker Knight and Curt Knight all of Jackson; step-grandsons Patrick Davis and Tucker Davis both of Jackson, and Brian Davis and Matthew Berke both of Houston, Texas; and sister Lura Matthews and family of Byram, MS. The family requests that memorials be made to Catholic Charities, 200 North Congress, Suite 100, Jackson, MS 39201, or St. Peter’s Catholic Church, P O Box 10, Bassfield, MS 39421.