Donald Lee O’Connell, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.)

O’Connell, Donald Lee LtCol USAF (Ret.) Donald Lee O’Connell went home to be with the Lord on July 21, 2012. Don was born July 23, 1939, in Laramie, Wyoming to Ivan B. and Scholastica O’Connell. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Jeanne; four daughters, Joan Thies, Cathy Maiellaro, Teressa Barnes all of Omaha, Laurie Bren of Spokane, Washington; two step-daughters, Lora Ottoson, and Lisa Linder-Stephenson also of Omaha; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Don served 24 years in the Air Force flying as a Defensive Systems Operator in the Supersonic B-58 logging over 1000 hours. His career was highlighted by service in the Vietnam War and in HQ Strategic Air Command consulting at the highest levels of National Defense. He also built a testing squadron which was operated in the Bellevue area. Don was active in the Kiwanis and spear-headed the development of the Lewis and Clark Builders Club, a part of the Kiwanis family. He was an Honor Guard member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Don and his wife were presidents of the Bellevue Artists’ Association and were awarded the Golden Palette in 2010. Don was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. VISITATION: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 5-8:30pm with 7pm Prayer Service at Bellevue Memorial Chapel, 2202 Hancock St., Bellevue. FUNERAL MASS: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 10:30am at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 12210 South 36th St., Bellevue, NE with Full Military Honors by Offutt AFB Honor Guard. Inurnment Service: Thursday, July 26, 2012, 10:30am at Bellevue Cemetery. Memorials In Lieu of flowers. Donald requested that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at: www.woundedwarriorproject.org

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