Pastor LaDon “Duck” Connell, age 56, went to his Heavenly home Thursday, July 23, 2026. Funeral services will be at Hardy-Towns Funeral Home on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Jimmy Willhite and Rev. Kevin Connell officiating. Interment will follow at Chauncey City Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Connell was born June 19, 1970 in Wheeler County to the late Agnes Arlene Jackson and Walter R. Connell. He was logger by trade and enjoyed all things outdoors including hunting and fishing. His primary passion was found in his Christian faith. He served as lead pastor at North Railroad Avenue Community Church where he enjoyed worship and fellowship.

Mr. Connell is survived by his wife, Kelly Graham Connell; his children, Gracyn Connell and Graham Gray; his grandchildren, Kensleigh Connell and Kylie Rogers; his siblings, Rueben Connell (Tina), Kevin Connell (Angela), Eugene Connell (Heather), Edison Connell (Lisa), Anthony Connell (Angela), and Venessila Salinas (Mark); his mother and father-in-law, Wayne and Kerry Graham; and his brother-in-law, Kennon Graham (Brooke).

In addition to his parents, Mr. Connell is predeceased by his son, Zachary Ladon Connell; and his siblings, Prentice Connell, Timothy Connell, and Dawn Connell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International at www.gideons.org.

Hardy- Towns Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of arrangements. www.hardy-towns.com