Obituary: Ivan Sidney ‘Sid’ Connell

Ivan Sidney ‘Sid’ Connell, 82, of Brownstown, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 17, 2025, at Hoosier Health & Living, Brownstown.

Mr. Connell was of the Christian faith.

Sid graduated from Mitchell High School at the age of 17.  After graduating, he worked until he turned 18 when he enlisted in the United States Navy.  He completed boot camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before being stationed in Pensacola, Florida, where he served as a hospital corpsman until discharge.  Later in his career, he was employed at Cummins Engine Co., Kieffer Paper Mill, and Lanett.

Sid cherished his family and enjoyed their time together, and they, in turn, loved him deeply.  He particularly enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in their sports activities.

Sid was known for having a “green thumb” and a passion for growing unique plants and trees. He also enjoyed attending auctions and flea markets, where he collected vintage and antique items. Additionally, he deeply appreciated history and loved capturing historical moments through photography.

Born on December 10, 1942, in Bedford, Sid was the son of Gilbert and Thelma (Williams) Connell, who preceded him in death.  On September 16, 1961, in Mitchell, he married Janet Sue “Jan” Tyree, and she preceded him in death on March 3, 2025.

Survivors include one son, Christopher (Denise) Connell of Vallonia; one daughter, Cindy (Carey) Lambring of Brownstown; six grandchildren:  Chandler (Jessica) Lambring, Cassidy (Kyle) Wurtzburger, Carson Lambring, Cameron Connell, Maggie Connell, and Kate Connell; six great-grandchildren:  Hudson Lambring, Lane Lambring, Jack Lambring, Nolan Wurtzburger, Nash Wurtzburger, and Navy Wurtzburger; one sister, Pamela “Pam” Collins of Mitchell; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  John (Debbie) Tyree of Orleans, Jack (Kelly) Tyree of Mitchell, Elaine Tyree of Tell City, Linda Pennington of Mitchell, Kay Leinart of Seymour, Judi (Richard) Parr of Seymour, and Jill (Andrew) Kluender of Mitchell; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Connell was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  Harrison Collins, Mike Tyree, Greg Tyree, Jeff Tyree, Tina Tyree, Ned Pennington, and James Leinart.

Funeral services for Ivan Sidney “Sid” Connell will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown.  Friends may call from noon until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47, and Vietnam Vets 7 will present military honors.

Memorials may be given to the Special Olympics Indiana Jackson County or La-Or-Ma (Lawrence County, Orange County, Monroe County) Shrine Club in Bedford.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com.