Obituary:

DANIEL O’CONNELL

Daniel “Dan” James O’Connell, age 80, of Kansas City, died May 18, 2026 at Medicalodges of Butler, Mo. Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m. May 29 in Leavenworth National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity or go out and enjoy the day with loved ones and good food! Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Dan was born Jan. 30, 1946 to John and Elizabeth O’Connell. He grew up on the west side of Kansas City with his brothers Mike and Pat and sister Ann. During his earliest youthful years he talked about carving his initials on the scout statue overlooking Kansas City and the many hours with his friends and dogs at that park and out on the cliffs before Crown Center was built. He described himself as a “pretty good kid” who wanted to be a logger when he grew up. He liked to participate in the neighborhood boxing matches for fun. He was also an altar boy for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He went to several Kansas City public schools before he found his path to earn his GED and shortly after enlisted in the Air Force. He spent time during the Vietnam War stationed in Thailand as an air traffic controller. He helped navigate many planes to safety and in record times.

Dan was known by a few names along his life, “Danny Boy,” “Angel Boy” and “Dan-O” to name a few. Dan was known to be a good boxer and for riding motorcycles. He enjoyed going to fairs and was involved by mentoring youth in 4H and the American Royal. He raised rabbits and showed them under the “Irish O Farms” logo. He helped many people throughout his life in various and silent ways. He liked to tell stories of when he drank with Johnny Cash and rode motorcycles with Evel Knievel. He was also an amateur photographer. Dan ran a few businesses and was a salesman most of his life. He loved finding bargains and going to sales. He also loved birds, rabbits and koi, eating BBQ, cashew chicken, ice cream and cream puffs! Dan was a storyteller, loved to joke around with everyone and get a good rise or laugh out of people all the way to the end.

He married Loretta Babcock in November of 1969, that marriage lasted for a little over 25 years. From that union two children were born Thomas and Danelle.

Dan was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Mike and Pat and sister Ann Lane.

He is survived by his son Thomas (Kirstie) O’Connell, daughter Danelle O’Connell, grandchildren Brennan, Sean and Ariel and one great-grandson Ryder and many nieces and nephews. 

Arrangements entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).