Thomas D. Connell

Thomas “Tommy” Duane Connell, age 69, of Center Point, Texas, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Tommy was born on August 1, 1954 in Kerrville, Texas to loving parents, Whitney Maurice Connell and Norma Louise Morgan. Tommy grew up in Kerrville and attended Tivy High School, served in the U.S. Army, and worked as a carpenter for most of his life. The last five years he worked in the maintenance department for KISD. Tommy was known to all for his big black cowboy hats, skin tight wranglers, cowboy boots, flannel shirts, his long ponytail, and infectious smile. He loved the outdoors, and as an avid dove hunter, you always knew where he’d be on opening day. He loved to camp, amassed an unbelievable collection of arrow heads he loved to dig for, and spent hours making sure he always had the nicest yard on the block. Tommy loved all sports, but his favorites were the San Antonio Spurs and the Texas Longhorns. And everyone knew that if a game wasn’t on the TV, an old western movie was. He enjoyed collecting knives, guns and eagles; he had shelves among shelves of them. His love of dancing is what brought him and his wife Pat together; meeting at the Inn of the Hills back when it still had a sunken dance floor; where they would tear it up 5-6 nights a week. Tommy and Pat met in Kerrville, Texas on October 31, 1991, and from that day forward they were never apart. Later in life, Tommy discovered his passion for cruising; after cruising all over the Caribbean, he was able to check off a bucket list item just four months ago by going on an Alaskan cruise and seeing the bald eagles in their natural habitat. He was a lover of all animals, but mostly his beloved dogs and horses. Tommy grew up with a large family that enjoyed camping and spending time at the lake; he treasured these memories and talked of them often. He loved family gatherings with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren; holidays, vacations, birthdays, or just getting together would always bring a big smile to his face, but he was never happier than when he had one of his grandbabies or great-grandbabies in his lap.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Whitney Maurice Connell and Norma “Sally” Louise Morgan; brothers, Bobby Connell, Tony Connell, Mike Connell and John Connell; also his maternal and paternal grandparents. 

Tommy is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pat” Bailey; daughters, Kim (Jesse) Menchaca, and Tina Colvin; grandchildren, Kyle (Stephanie) Menchaca, Kiersten (Hunter) Copeland, Kayla (James) Franklin, Jesse (Lea) Menchaca, and Maegan Colvin; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Zayne, Zoey, Promise, Xayden, Zander, Troy, and Honor; siblings, Maurice Connell, Tammy (John) Samford, Pat (Diana) Connel, Melissa (David) Bell, Amy Connell, Lolli (Kenneth) McGehee, Kyle (Misty) Connell; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Kerrville Funeral Home with Services to follow at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the Kerrville Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Maurice Connell, Patrick Connell, Kyle Connell, Jesse Menchaca, Kyle Menchaca, Jesse Menchaca, James Franklin, Hunter Copeland, David Cahela and Joe Perez.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kerrville Funeral Home. (830)895-5111.