Mr. John Claden Connell, Sr.
08/08/1937 - 09/23/2026
Mr. John Claden Connell, Sr, age 89, of South Hill, passed away on Wednesday September 23, 2026. He was the owner and operator of Connell Brothers Construction, a faithful member of American Legion Post 79 in South Hill and the American Legion Post 79 Honor Guard and a United States Army veteran. Mr. Connell was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances M. Connell; his son, John C. Connell, Jr. and his brother, Carlton Connell. He is survived by his two sons: Paul Connell and his wife Crissy of Madison Heights and Barry Connell and his wife Stacey of South Hill; his wife, Pat Connell of South Hill; his step-son, Brian Pearce and his wife Tonja of South Hill; his step-daughter, Cindy Carter of Clarksville; his sister, Loretta Young Allen; his special niece, Jan Lovelace; his three grandchildren: Clay Connell, Camryn Connell and Drew Connell and his three great-grandchildren. A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday September 26th at 2:00 P.M. in Crestview Memorial Park with full American Legion Post 79 Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southside Rescue Squad at P.O. Box 546, South Hill, VA 23970 or to the American Legion Post 79 Honor Guard at P.O. Box 562, South Hill, VA 23970. Online condolences may be made through our website, www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Connell family.

Condolences and Prayers to the Connell Family
To Barry, Paul and the Rest of the Family
David and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad Claden. Our dear friend and neighbor for over 30 years, what a GREAT GUY and friend. He now resides with all the Angels in Heaven……Rest In Paradise Claden…..Until we meet again.
Jimmy Saunders
David Saunders
I send my sincere condolences to all of the Family. Very sorry to hear and you all are in my Prayers! 🙏🙏
So sorry to read about Claden. It was always so good to run into him. He was always happy. He lived a long life. He will continue to live through our memories and stories. I hope he had a peaceful journey to the light. Sending peace and love.
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
may the lord be with you all at this time
rip my friend i know you up there with all your hunting buddys the lord got his hands full now say hellow to all up there u guys behave till we meet again
A Man of Distinguished Valor
Claden, an incredibly amazing man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor you will be missed more than words can express. We are heartbroken at this time of sorrow.
“A life well-lived is a legacy of hope and strength and grace, a gift from someone who has made our world a better place.” May you all find comfort in knowing that there is no emptiness God can’t fill, no loneliness He can’t see us through- to comfort those He loves so much, there’s nothing God won’t do. God Bless you.
Camryn and family – so sorry for your loss! Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. The few times I met him he was just as genuine as the sons he raised.
Condolences to All family members.
My Condolences
I am so sorry to hear this. My sincerest condolences to the family. I have such fond childhood memories of Mr. Connell. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
Claden
It is difficult to say goodbye for everyone in our family and we will miss not having more time to enjoy the leadership, joy and laughter we shared with Claden. We thank Claden, Francis, and Pat for their warm, loving and respectful acceptance of us all into their family. You impacted our lives more than you could imagine. Phebe, Zack, Sammy, John Keith, Luke, Lauren and Elijah.
So Sorry to hear of your loss
Dearest Cladon
To the Connell family you are all in my prayers. It is a big loss for all of you. Your father was a wonderful man. He was good, kind, giving and fun. I have good memories of visiting him and my cousin Pat. Your father was so very good to my cousin. I am truly thankful for him and glad I got to know him. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
Lois