Edward Francis (Butch) O’Connell passed away peacefully on January 13th, 2019. Butch was born on November 9th, 1927 to Thomas and Josephine ( Cebulla ) O’Connell in Great Falls. He was the 3rd youngest of 10 children.
He married Carolyn Ann Pendergress in Browning on October 18th, 1952. They were married for 59 years. Carol passed away on their 59th anniversary.
October 18th 2011. Butch grew up on the West Side of Great Falls and attended the Franklin School through 8th grade. One of his first jobs was at the Stockyards in Great Falls.
He then went to work breaking horses on the Pat Lewis ranch north of Browning. After a short stint in the U.S. Army with the Mule Pack he was back on the Lewis ranch. He married Carolyn Ann Pendergress on October 18th, 1952.
He then went to work for the McKammey Brothers ranch on the Smith River. This is where he and his wife Carol began their family. Daniel, Barbara, Richard and Timothy were born.
He then moved his family to Alder Montana to the Burns ranch. After 2 years he again moved his family to Butte where he worked for Montana Livestock. Two more children were born, Theresa and Gregory.
Butch also worked for the Milwaukee Railroad on the section crew and with his wife opened the EO Western Store. Then Butch went to work for the Montana State Department of Livestock. Butch retired as a brand inspector after more than 30 years of service.
Butch never seemed to rest. In early days Butch rode in rodeos all around the Great Falls area. He broke horses to ride for many.
There was always a bronc in the corral. He was an accomplished farrier and shod horses into his 80’s. Butch’s life desire was to be a Cowboy and a cowboy he was.
Butch is a 2015 inductee into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. He was extremely proud of and loved his family. Although he rarely said so.
He could always be found hunting, fishing, camping and all sorts of outdoor activities. He was a true Montana kid. Butch was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Ann Pendergress (O’Connell), Son Gregory James O’Connell, Grandson Patrick James O’Connell, Brothers: C.L. (Buck) O’Connell, Friz O’Connell, and Harold O’Connell.
Sisters: Evelyn (Sis) Hocevar, Helen Sisko, Peggy Christen, Virginia (Brites) Charon and Lucille Corr. Sons in law: Jack Andreolli and Ken Hughes. He is survived by: Children: Daniel M. (Kay) O’Connell-Butte, Barbara Ann (Robert) Raridon- Helena, Richard Wayne (Tami) O’Connell-Butte, Timothy J. (Teri) O’Connell-Twin Falls ID, and Theresa L. Hughes-Butte.
Daughter in law: Kim O’Connell – Dupree S. Dakota, Brother and Sister in law: Patrick (Patsy) O’Connell-Great Falls. Betty Lee O’Connell-Great Falls,19 Grand Children and 23 Great Grand Children and many nieces and nephews. Butch’s favorite stop after a hard day was the Freeway Tavern.
Where he would reiterate his days adventures and maybe an extra story or two. He truly enjoyed all of you. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to 15-90 Search and Rescue for just showing up when we really needed help.
To Big Sky Living for their wonderful care and support. To Compass’s Hospice for all of their help in these last days. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edward Francis “Butch” O’Connell please visit our Sympathy Store.
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