Hunter Lee Connell, age 94, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, April 24, 2026, at his home.

      He was born June 13, 1931, in Clay County, the son of Paul Francis and Laura E. (Hunt) Connell.  He was united in marriage to Rajean Vail on June 28, 1952, in Flora, and together they shared 73 wonderful years of love, devotion, and marriage.  They raised a household of boys and watched their family grow through the blessings of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

      Hunter worked for the Chevrolet dealership, where he earned his certification as a Master Mechanic, and later retired from Sparton Manufacturing.  He was raised in the Christian faith at North Harter Christian Church, and through the years, he and Rajean worshiped with several Baptist-affiliated congregations, including Hoosier Prairie Baptist Church.  Hunter loved being outdoors, especially when it came to quail hunting, and there wasn’t much he wouldn’t do to take good care of his bird dogs.  He was known to plan his work vacation around squirrel-hunting season, making sure he didn’t miss his time in the woods.  He also enjoyed a good game of pool and was mighty hard to beat.  Fixing things was a challenge Hunter seemed to enjoy, and his family remembers that he could work on just about anything—from clocks and sewing machines to firearms—and also liked creating his own woodworking projects.  In later years, he became a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and looked forward to following the team each season.

      He is survived by his wife: Rajean Connell of Flora; 3 sons: Michael (Linda) Connell of Monmouth, Karl (Sheila) Connell of Flora, and Kevin (Angie) Connell of Flora; 6 grandchildren: Amber (Jeff) Choisser, Laura (Stephen) Smith, Ethan Connell, Eli (Olivia) Connell, Danellia (Kyle) Vancil, and Mark Connell; and 6 great-grandchildren: Colin Choisser, Adara Smith, Wyatt Smith, Arwyn Smith, Levi Connell, and Charlie Connell.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; a sister:  Pauline Gibbons; and a brother:  Roland Connell.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, in appreciation for the care that made a lasting difference in Hunter’s life as a young man.  These donations will be accepted at the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com