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Robert “Bob” McConnell

Robert “Bob” McConnell, 67, of Columbia passed away on Jan. 5th, 2015 surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia on Friday, January 9.

Born in Leonard, Missouri, on August 15th, 1947 Bob was the son of Howard and Norma McConnell.  He graduated from North Shelby High School, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Missouri.

In 1969, Bob married his wife Susan.  Together, in 1972, they opened & operated McConnell’s Plantland, a greenhouse located just west of Columbia for many years.

Bob was known for his cheerful nature & ready laugh.  Over the years, he enjoyed many hobbies including, but certainly not limited to, fishing, gardening, daylilies, rock hounding, playing cards, and baking.  Being active in educational organizations, like the American Hemerocallis Society & the Central Missouri Rock & Lapidary Club allowed him to connect with many others who shared similar interests.  He will be missed by a great many whose paths he crossed.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, his daughter, Amanda (John), of Lawrence, KS, his daughter, Melissa (Ramzie) of Columbia, his father, Howard “Frog” McConnell, of Leonard, his brothers, Gary (Sandy), of Wexford, PA, Jim (Mary Lu), of Shelbina, his sister, Patsy (Steve) Golden, of Edina, three grandchildren (Ethen, Nicole, Hazel), and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma McConnell, and his nephew, Daniel McConnell.