Alexander "Alex" A. Connell

Alex Connell, 92, passed away peacefully at Davis Hospice on May 1, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

 Born on May 10, 1932, in Muskegon, Michigan, Alex was the eldest son of six children born to Tom and Grace Connell. He grew up alongside his older sister, Helen and younger brothers Terry, Robert, Brian, and Timmy. From an early age, Alex exhibited a strong sense of responsibility and leadership—qualities that would shape the course of his life. 

In 1952, shortly after enlisting in the United States Air Force, Alex married Luann (Bekkering), the love of his life. Following basic training, Alex was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming—a city that would become their lifelong home. With their own hands, they designed and built a beautiful home where they raised five children. Their marriage spanned an extraordinary 72 years until Luann’s passing on January 12, 2025. 

Alex had a deep passion for collecting and restoring antique cars and tractors from the early 1900s. A self-taught craftsman with remarkable ingenuity and dedication, Alex became widely respected among brass-era automobile collectors. His ability to recreate forgotten pieces of history through meticulous craftsmanship led to the restoration of numerous vintage automobiles and tractors—many of which now reside in museums and private collections around the world. 

Alex is survived by his brothers, Terry and Robert, his children: Kim Parker (Jim), Kay Irwin (Randy), Kris Connell-Johns (Doug), Kathy Dillmon, and Tom Connell; grandchildren: Jenny Deeder, Brent Parker, Brandy Kuno, Mindy Poulton, Todd Irwin, Stephanie Dillmon, Candice Dillmon, Michael Johns, and Tommy Connell; as well as 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. And an honorable mention of Patty Campbell. The legacy Alex and Luann leave behind is one of enduring love—woven through countless shared memories and the strength of a family built on devotion and care.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the amazing nurses, CNAs, volunteers, and security at Davis Hospice Center for taking such excellent care of Alex and Luann. The level of skill, care, support, and compassion shown by them was appreciated more than we can say. Thank you as well to the many kind and devoted friends that were such an important part of their lives, including their friends at Stanfield.

 A service to honor Alex’s life will be held at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes, 1900 East 19th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 8th at 2:00 p.m. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.