Wilbur E. Connell Dies At Age 54
"Like a steam locomotive, Wilbur has lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior."
That's how the 1930 yearbook described Wilbur Ellsworth Connell when he graduated from Laurel High School.
The shortest summary of the life of Wilbur E. Connell would read: born April 22, 1913 of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest A. Connell, Died November 25, 1967."
But between those two dates is a story of "a steam locomotive" that is fascinating in the telling.
Born in Laurel, Wilbur's parents moved to Burtonsville when he was four, then moved to a farm in Guilford when he was nine; a farm on which they still live.
Six miles away was the Laurel school. Wilbur started riding the old gray mare to school but "The children teased you so much you told your father you would rather walk."
So runs the script to "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell," a program given in honor of Mr. Connell by the Methodist Men of St. James church on March 11, 1965.
That script goes on to tell the story of the "steam locomotive."
Deciding that farm work was not for him, Wilbur entered Baltimore Business School and attended for one year.
His first job was with the Baltimore and Virginia Steamboat Company, and then he worked for the US Department of Agriculture in Beltsville.
In 1939 Wilbur Connell took a job with the Finance Department of the US Army.
In 1940 he married Evelyn Thompson at St. James Church. The date was June 1.
Then came the call to arms. In September 1943, Wilbur Connell went to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training.
Jun of the following year took Wilbur Connell overseas and July 4 found him in the Normandy battle.
Wounded by a piece of shrapnel while he was bending over to lift a wounded buddy, Wilbur's spine was all but severed.
Although miracle drugs kept life in his body, doctors held out no hope.
It was life in his soul that was needed, and the persistent efforts of his wife, Evelyn, finally got the army's permission to let Wilbur come home.
He and Evelyn built a new home on Route 144, near West Friendship, designed so that Wilbur could get around in his wheelchair; ramps on the stairs, special bath facilities.
With time, and love, and "lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior," Wilbur Connell even learned to drive a car equipped with all-hand controls.
"Like a steam locomotive," he began to keep books, fill out income tax forms, and take part in church and community affairs.
Wilbur Connell had made a comeback.
And then - on December 2, 1957 - Evelyn died of cancer.
"Like always,' says the script to This Is Your Life, "you did not lose your faith and faced life with courage and determination because we all know how much your wife meant to you during your hospitalization and since your return home.
"You stayed in your present home as it was equipped for you with wide doors, special bathing facilities and other things for your convenience.
"You work very hard for the Mr. View Cemetery Company. Presently (1965) you hold the office of treasurer.
You have held many offices in the church; chairman of the Official Board and chairman of many commissions. You are a trustee of the church.
Concluded the script: "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell, whose faith, courage, determination and devotion to church life and community is an inspiration to all."
Funeral services were held Wednesday at St. James Methodist Church for the man who "like a stem locomotive," refused to be frightened by mountains.
Rev. Albert C. Burton, pastor of St. James Methodist Church, officiated, assisted by Rev. Buddy Pipes, pastor Wilson Methodist Church, Long Green Md., and Rev. Edison Amos, pastor Epworth Chapel, Baltimore.
Pallbearers were Richard Arrington, George Slack, Fred Pipes, Chester Grimes, Joseph Redmond, Dale Grafe, Lou Bendt and Calvin Day.
Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Connell is survived by one brother, Douglas, who resides on Berger road, Guilford.
Submitted by:badrenn (#47247441)
"Like a steam locomotive, Wilbur has lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior."
That's how the 1930 yearbook described Wilbur Ellsworth Connell when he graduated from Laurel High School.
The shortest summary of the life of Wilbur E. Connell would read: born April 22, 1913 of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest A. Connell, Died November 25, 1967."
But between those two dates is a story of "a steam locomotive" that is fascinating in the telling.
Born in Laurel, Wilbur's parents moved to Burtonsville when he was four, then moved to a farm in Guilford when he was nine; a farm on which they still live.
Six miles away was the Laurel school. Wilbur started riding the old gray mare to school but "The children teased you so much you told your father you would rather walk."
So runs the script to "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell," a program given in honor of Mr. Connell by the Methodist Men of St. James church on March 11, 1965.
That script goes on to tell the story of the "steam locomotive."
Deciding that farm work was not for him, Wilbur entered Baltimore Business School and attended for one year.
His first job was with the Baltimore and Virginia Steamboat Company, and then he worked for the US Department of Agriculture in Beltsville.
In 1939 Wilbur Connell took a job with the Finance Department of the US Army.
In 1940 he married Evelyn Thompson at St. James Church. The date was June 1.
Then came the call to arms. In September 1943, Wilbur Connell went to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training.
Jun of the following year took Wilbur Connell overseas and July 4 found him in the Normandy battle.
Wounded by a piece of shrapnel while he was bending over to lift a wounded buddy, Wilbur's spine was all but severed.
Although miracle drugs kept life in his body, doctors held out no hope.
It was life in his soul that was needed, and the persistent efforts of his wife, Evelyn, finally got the army's permission to let Wilbur come home.
He and Evelyn built a new home on Route 144, near West Friendship, designed so that Wilbur could get around in his wheelchair; ramps on the stairs, special bath facilities.
With time, and love, and "lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior," Wilbur Connell even learned to drive a car equipped with all-hand controls.
"Like a steam locomotive," he began to keep books, fill out income tax forms, and take part in church and community affairs.
Wilbur Connell had made a comeback.
And then - on December 2, 1957 - Evelyn died of cancer.
"Like always,' says the script to This Is Your Life, "you did not lose your faith and faced life with courage and determination because we all know how much your wife meant to you during your hospitalization and since your return home.
"You stayed in your present home as it was equipped for you with wide doors, special bathing facilities and other things for your convenience.
"You work very hard for the Mr. View Cemetery Company. Presently (1965) you hold the office of treasurer.
You have held many offices in the church; chairman of the Official Board and chairman of many commissions. You are a trustee of the church.
Concluded the script: "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell, whose faith, courage, determination and devotion to church life and community is an inspiration to all."
Funeral services were held Wednesday at St. James Methodist Church for the man who "like a stem locomotive," refused to be frightened by mountains.
Rev. Albert C. Burton, pastor of St. James Methodist Church, officiated, assisted by Rev. Buddy Pipes, pastor Wilson Methodist Church, Long Green Md., and Rev. Edison Amos, pastor Epworth Chapel, Baltimore.
Pallbearers were Richard Arrington, George Slack, Fred Pipes, Chester Grimes, Joseph Redmond, Dale Grafe, Lou Bendt and Calvin Day.
Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Connell is survived by one brother, Douglas, who resides on Berger road, Guilford.
Submitted by:badrenn (#47247441)
Wilbur E. Connell Dies At Age 54
"Like a steam locomotive, Wilbur has lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior."
That's how the 1930 yearbook described Wilbur Ellsworth Connell when he graduated from Laurel High School.
The shortest summary of the life of Wilbur E. Connell would read: born April 22, 1913 of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest A. Connell, Died November 25, 1967."
But between those two dates is a story of "a steam locomotive" that is fascinating in the telling.
Born in Laurel, Wilbur's parents moved to Burtonsville when he was four, then moved to a farm in Guilford when he was nine; a farm on which they still live.
Six miles away was the Laurel school. Wilbur started riding the old gray mare to school but "The children teased you so much you told your father you would rather walk."
So runs the script to "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell," a program given in honor of Mr. Connell by the Methodist Men of St. James church on March 11, 1965.
That script goes on to tell the story of the "steam locomotive."
Deciding that farm work was not for him, Wilbur entered Baltimore Business School and attended for one year.
His first job was with the Baltimore and Virginia Steamboat Company, and then he worked for the US Department of Agriculture in Beltsville.
In 1939 Wilbur Connell took a job with the Finance Department of the US Army.
In 1940 he married Evelyn Thompson at St. James Church. The date was June 1.
Then came the call to arms. In September 1943, Wilbur Connell went to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training.
Jun of the following year took Wilbur Connell overseas and July 4 found him in the Normandy battle.
Wounded by a piece of shrapnel while he was bending over to lift a wounded buddy, Wilbur's spine was all but severed.
Although miracle drugs kept life in his body, doctors held out no hope.
It was life in his soul that was needed, and the persistent efforts of his wife, Evelyn, finally got the army's permission to let Wilbur come home.
He and Evelyn built a new home on Route 144, near West Friendship, designed so that Wilbur could get around in his wheelchair; ramps on the stairs, special bath facilities.
With time, and love, and "lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior," Wilbur Connell even learned to drive a car equipped with all-hand controls.
"Like a steam locomotive," he began to keep books, fill out income tax forms, and take part in church and community affairs.
Wilbur Connell had made a comeback.
And then - on December 2, 1957 - Evelyn died of cancer.
"Like always,' says the script to This Is Your Life, "you did not lose your faith and faced life with courage and determination because we all know how much your wife meant to you during your hospitalization and since your return home.
"You stayed in your present home as it was equipped for you with wide doors, special bathing facilities and other things for your convenience.
"You work very hard for the Mr. View Cemetery Company. Presently (1965) you hold the office of treasurer.
You have held many offices in the church; chairman of the Official Board and chairman of many commissions. You are a trustee of the church.
Concluded the script: "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell, whose faith, courage, determination and devotion to church life and community is an inspiration to all."
Funeral services were held Wednesday at St. James Methodist Church for the man who "like a stem locomotive," refused to be frightened by mountains.
Rev. Albert C. Burton, pastor of St. James Methodist Church, officiated, assisted by Rev. Buddy Pipes, pastor Wilson Methodist Church, Long Green Md., and Rev. Edison Amos, pastor Epworth Chapel, Baltimore.
Pallbearers were Richard Arrington, George Slack, Fred Pipes, Chester Grimes, Joseph Redmond, Dale Grafe, Lou Bendt and Calvin Day.
Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Connell is survived by one brother, Douglas, who resides on Berger road, Guilford.
Submitted by:badrenn (#47247441)
"Like a steam locomotive, Wilbur has lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior."
That's how the 1930 yearbook described Wilbur Ellsworth Connell when he graduated from Laurel High School.
The shortest summary of the life of Wilbur E. Connell would read: born April 22, 1913 of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest A. Connell, Died November 25, 1967."
But between those two dates is a story of "a steam locomotive" that is fascinating in the telling.
Born in Laurel, Wilbur's parents moved to Burtonsville when he was four, then moved to a farm in Guilford when he was nine; a farm on which they still live.
Six miles away was the Laurel school. Wilbur started riding the old gray mare to school but "The children teased you so much you told your father you would rather walk."
So runs the script to "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell," a program given in honor of Mr. Connell by the Methodist Men of St. James church on March 11, 1965.
That script goes on to tell the story of the "steam locomotive."
Deciding that farm work was not for him, Wilbur entered Baltimore Business School and attended for one year.
His first job was with the Baltimore and Virginia Steamboat Company, and then he worked for the US Department of Agriculture in Beltsville.
In 1939 Wilbur Connell took a job with the Finance Department of the US Army.
In 1940 he married Evelyn Thompson at St. James Church. The date was June 1.
Then came the call to arms. In September 1943, Wilbur Connell went to Camp Lee, Virginia, for training.
Jun of the following year took Wilbur Connell overseas and July 4 found him in the Normandy battle.
Wounded by a piece of shrapnel while he was bending over to lift a wounded buddy, Wilbur's spine was all but severed.
Although miracle drugs kept life in his body, doctors held out no hope.
It was life in his soul that was needed, and the persistent efforts of his wife, Evelyn, finally got the army's permission to let Wilbur come home.
He and Evelyn built a new home on Route 144, near West Friendship, designed so that Wilbur could get around in his wheelchair; ramps on the stairs, special bath facilities.
With time, and love, and "lots of force and energy hidden under a quiet exterior," Wilbur Connell even learned to drive a car equipped with all-hand controls.
"Like a steam locomotive," he began to keep books, fill out income tax forms, and take part in church and community affairs.
Wilbur Connell had made a comeback.
And then - on December 2, 1957 - Evelyn died of cancer.
"Like always,' says the script to This Is Your Life, "you did not lose your faith and faced life with courage and determination because we all know how much your wife meant to you during your hospitalization and since your return home.
"You stayed in your present home as it was equipped for you with wide doors, special bathing facilities and other things for your convenience.
"You work very hard for the Mr. View Cemetery Company. Presently (1965) you hold the office of treasurer.
You have held many offices in the church; chairman of the Official Board and chairman of many commissions. You are a trustee of the church.
Concluded the script: "This Is Your Life, Wilbur Ellsworth Connell, whose faith, courage, determination and devotion to church life and community is an inspiration to all."
Funeral services were held Wednesday at St. James Methodist Church for the man who "like a stem locomotive," refused to be frightened by mountains.
Rev. Albert C. Burton, pastor of St. James Methodist Church, officiated, assisted by Rev. Buddy Pipes, pastor Wilson Methodist Church, Long Green Md., and Rev. Edison Amos, pastor Epworth Chapel, Baltimore.
Pallbearers were Richard Arrington, George Slack, Fred Pipes, Chester Grimes, Joseph Redmond, Dale Grafe, Lou Bendt and Calvin Day.
Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Connell is survived by one brother, Douglas, who resides on Berger road, Guilford.
Submitted by:badrenn (#47247441)
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