Mr. Charles Alexander McConnell, 93, of Blandinsville, IL passed away at 7:09 PM Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at the Bickford Cottage in Macomb, IL.

Charles was born on May 24, 1923 in LaHarpe, IL, the son of Alexander Walker and Cly Blandin Mustain McConnell. On October 2, 1949 he married Natalie Ann Hardisty in Blandinsville. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2013.

Charles attended grade and high school in Fountain Green, and graduated from LaHarpe High School with the class of 1941. He then worked for the IAAP in Middletown, IA before joining the U.S. Navy where he served during WWII. Upon discharge from the Navy, Charles Went back to work at the IAAP as a Federal Inspector for the Dept. Of Defense.

Charles also attended the Gem City Business College where he graduated after two years of studying. His true passion was farming, which he did his whole life. He was a member of the Macomb Masonic Lodge #17 and the former Blandinsville American Legion. In his youth Charles attended the Fountain Green Presbyterian Church but later became a member of the Faith Fellowship Church in Tennessee, IL.

Survivors include four children: Stephen (Linda) McConnell of Cedar Rapids, IA, Suzanne Blankenship of Marion, IL, Julia (Richard) McSperritt of Blandinsville, Sarah (Fianc Jim Zeigler) McConnell of Columbus Junction, IA; eight grandchildren: Matthew McConnell, Eric (Allison) Blankenship, Joshua (Jennifer) Blankenship, Natalie (Kelly) Anderson, Alexis (Brian) Watkins, Candice Conley, Jenna McSperritt, Jonathon McSperritt; seven great-grandchildren: Caitlyn Conley, Audrey Blankenship, Alex Blankenship, Avery Blankenship, Robert Andersen, David Blankenship, and Khloe Watkins.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Natalie; one grandson: Nicholas Charles Blankenship; two sisters and their husbands: Mary Lou (Colis) McKinney and Mildred (Keith) Blythe.

A graveside service, with military rites, will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 2, 2016 in the McConnell Cemetery near Fountain Green, with Pastor Dave Scott officiating. Friends and family will meet at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe Tuesday morning before processing to the cemetery at 9:30 AM. Masonic Rites will be held at 5:30 PM Monday at the funeral home, followed by Visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established for the Blandin House Museum, The Faith Fellowship Church, or Donors Choice.