Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Esthel “E.W.” Connelly, 93

Esthel “E.W.” Connelly, 93, died April 13, 2017. He was born to the late William Edward and Mary Bigler Connelly in Gillett, Arkansas on May 18, 1923. He graduated from Gillett High School and entered the Army January 3, 1943 and served in ETO & Korean Conflict. In 1953 he entered the United State Airforce from which he retired from in 1966. E.W. also retired from the Little Rock Municipal Water Works in 1986. He was known to many as E.W.  but was better known as “Poppa” to his family who he loved dearly. He enjoyed all sports and especially duck hunting, fishing, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and watching his children and grandchildren participate in their various sports.  E.W. also had a very strong love of gardening with his family and was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years. Dorothy Lewis Connelly; Son, Mark Connelly (Bonnie), Son-in-law, Wayne Coleman; grandchildren, Christopher Coleman (Amy), Melanie Goodson (Steve), Tish Stewart (Tracy), Amber Murphy (Matthew); great-grandchildren, Hunter Coleman, Kaitlynn and CJ Coleman, Spencer Stewart and Jordyn Lansdell, Tripp and Caroline Murphy and one great-great-grandchild, Aubree Lansdell. He is also survived by a special niece Dixie Turner and a host of other nieces, nephews and friends.

E.W. is also preceded in death by four brothers, Floyd, Allen, Harold and Edward; two sisters, Blanche and Velma; his beloved daughter, Deborah “Debo” Coleman.

In lieu of flowers his family requests donations be made to the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville with a time for visitation from 10-11:00am.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. 

19 Comments

  • Teresa LaFort Posted April 13, 2017 3:15 PM

    Miss Dorothy I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Connelly. You and your family are In our thoughts and prayers. We love you

  • Jim and Rhonda st.john Posted April 13, 2017 3:26 PM

    Thoughts and prayers for you Dorothy and your family.

  • Sandy Cobb Posted April 13, 2017 3:54 PM

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

  • Carol King Posted April 13, 2017 4:01 PM

    Dorthy I’m so sorry for your loss. You know how much I love you, if I can help you in any way let me know.

  • Kathy Helmer Posted April 13, 2017 4:10 PM

    Sending hugs and prayers,

  • Larry & Garoldine New Posted April 13, 2017 6:06 PM

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. We remember our old neighbors and know that E. W. is finally at peace and at Easter time!

  • Daisy Olson Posted April 13, 2017 6:17 PM

    Dorothy, My love and prayers are with you; You have had a long and good marriage; and now your good friend and loved one can be free and well and happy in that wonderful world awaiting you.and hopefully, the rest of us as well. I know how strong and solid your faith is and that you will have the goodwill and support of all your family and friends. God be with you in this lonely and adjusting time.

  • Pam Wilcoxson Posted April 13, 2017 6:44 PM

    Aunt Dorothy, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Sending love and prayers.

  • Clayton and Dee Knudsen and family. Posted April 13, 2017 7:31 PM

    I am saddened to know of the loss of your dear Poppa. He was always a bright shining star. I saw where Mark obtained his outstanding looks, and wonderful personality. He couldn’t be better with parents like EW and Dorothy. May God give you much comfort in knowing he is with his precious daughter. My prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. Much love to all of you.

  • J.W. and Genny Lewis Posted April 13, 2017 7:34 PM

    Some of my fondest memories are of Uncle E.W. , Uncle Harold and Uncle James working and playing at Grandmother Lewis’s … We Love You Aunt Dorothy and Mark

  • Kendell and Rhonda Snyder Posted April 13, 2017 8:12 PM

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Erma Gray Posted April 13, 2017 8:32 PM

    Mark & Bonnie
    Robin is my best friend and I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about our parents & sister. May God be with all of you right now, may God comfort you all.

  • Mona Siegismund Howell Posted April 13, 2017 10:03 PM

    Dorothy, you are in my prayers. Love you and miss you very much.

  • Jerry and Barbara Knudsen Posted April 14, 2017 8:08 AM

    EW was such a kind person. He had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • Peggy Dumont Posted April 14, 2017 9:16 AM

    Dorothy and mark Allen and all the family I’m sorry for your loss ew was a wonderful person always talked to me and everybody else ew I want to thank you again for sharing my hoe I won’t let any body use it except jim and I Gone but not forgotten

  • Tammy Heggie Posted April 14, 2017 12:07 PM

    Aunt Dorothy and Mark, I love you both and my heart is heavy for you. Sending prayers for ease of pain.

  • Leah Stitz Posted April 14, 2017 6:19 PM

    Dorothy, I am so very sorry to learn of your husband’s passing. I am glad to know he will be with the Lord but I hate the sorrow you face in the days ahead. Sending my love and virtual hugs.

  • charles watt Posted April 17, 2017 8:14 AM

    Grace and Peace.. love Bro, Charles and Martha

  • Robin Moody Posted April 17, 2017 10:06 AM

    EW was one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met. He was an awesome father, husband, poppa and just a wonderful person . I’m so thankful for him and the love he had for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family. He was so dearly loved by all. Praying for the days ahead. Love this family.

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