Graveside services for Paul Ray Mc-Connell will be held at 2:00 P.M. today at Union Hatchett Cemetery with Kevin Creed officiating.

Services are under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

Paul Ray McConnell was born on June 15, 1947, to Roy McConnell and Naomi Ruth Smith in Upland, California.

He entered the gates of Heaven on December 21, 2025, in his home at the age of 78 years.

Paul was raised in Raton, New Mexico, where he graduated with the class of 1965. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably from 1966 - 1973. During his military career, he served in many locations, including Vietnam and Germany, completing three tours in Vietnam.

While in the Army, Paul worked as a chef and developed a love for learning multiple languages, a skill he carried with him throughout his life.

After his honorable discharge, Paul made his home in Oklahoma. He married the love of his life, Sandra, on May 27, 1977, in Edmond, Oklahoma. They first made their home in Guthrie, spent a short time living in California, and returned to Oklahoma in 1980, settling in Clinton.

Paul was employed by Wilbert Burial Vaults for many years.

From 2001 to 2023, Paul and Sandra resided in Roswell, New Mexico, before returning to Oklahoma, where they made their home in Canute. Paul enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, cooking, and taking long walkabouts. He will be fondly remembered for his wild stories, his fun Native necklaces and days spent with his grandchildren - driving their grandma crazy.

He would often tell the grandkids, “Kinder, geht schlafen...” at bedtime during their many sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Paul was a proud member of American Legion Post 300.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James; his brother, David McConnell; and his sister, Kathy Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his sons, Mike Taylor and wife Candy, and Scott Taylor and wife Michelle; his daughters, Angel Rangel and husband Oscar, and RuthMae Dunich; his brother, Wayne Smith; his sister, Mary Elliot; and 19 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.