Giley R. McConnell Jr., the youngest son of G.R. and Hazel McConnell, died in the comfort of his home in Laramie, Wyoming February 4, 2023, at the age of 93. Giley was born in 1929, and was raised in Laramie where he earned a BA in Industrial Arts from the University of Wyoming. He cowboyed on the Sims ranch north of Laramie where he developed a powerful love of the outdoors that he nurtured in his sons.
After graduating from the U.S. Navy flight school in Pensacola, Florida in 1947, he served in Brunswick Maine and multiple combat tours in Viet Nam flying helicopters. LTCDR McConnell served on the USS Bennington, mentored the Venezuelan Air Force, flew with anti-submarine Squadron 8, commanded air operation on Naval Air station Midway Island and Naval Air station Kingsville, TX. Giley retired from the Navy in 1973 at the rank of LTCDR after serving 23 years as a naval aviator and returned to his hometown of Laramie.
Giley was preceded in death by his brother Jack, sisters Julie and Maxine and his long-time companion Mary Jane Johnson.
He is survived by his two sons Giley R. McConnell III of Brush, Colorado and Michael D. McConnell of Lander, Wyoming and grandchildren Sean, Samantha, Seth, Steven, Mark, and Kiley as well as five great grandchildren.
Graveside services are scheduled for April 29 at 10:00 a.m. at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie, Wyoming with Military Honors by the United States Navy and the Laramie Veterans Honor Guard.
So sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. He was a very interesting person with a great sense of humor. I’m glad to have met him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Deb Smith (Kenny, Nolan, Winnie, and Abbey).
Condolences
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like your dad was larger than life! God bless your family.
So sorry for the loss of your father/grandfather. Maybe you good memories comfort you!!!
Mike, Giley, and families So very sorry for your loss. We all remember Gerry with such fond and fun memories! I hope to see everyone on April 29th. I am marking it on my calendar! Our condolences, Scott and April
Dear McConnell families, Condolences to all the families and prayers offered for comfort and peace. You are lovely, intelligent, calm and gentlemanly person. I always enjoyed your visits to Lander. You will be fondly remembered and missed by all of us. Sincerely, Diane Frank
Mark and Alicia, Sue and I are sorry for your loss. It is apparent from the Obit that the wonderful qualities we see in you Mark were handed down from your Grandfather. We know you were proud of him and were blessed by his presence in your life.
Your father sounds like a fine gentleman and a productive citizen. He lived a good long life - and had a family of which to be proud. You are in our prayers. Don & Judy Legerski
Mr McConnell, I am so sorry to hear about his passing. I will never forget the way he opened his home to us FFA kids when we would travel to Laramie and cook for us entertaining us with his stories.
Sorry for your loss McConnel’s, you are in our thoughts prayers, Dallas, Leslie, Taylor, & Mak.
Very sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!
Sorry for your loss.
The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for LCDR McConnell’s 26 years of service to our country in the Navy. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or [email protected]. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Steve Young Lt Col, USAF, Ret Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Giley and Mike, my condolences on the loss of your Dad.
Mike and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a wonderful person. Sending you all love and hugs from the entire deveraux family.
Jerry was a true Wyoming-ite, he had so many rough and tumble stories of all he endured on the Sims ranch and the missions that he accomplished in the Service. He taught me a lot about respect and I always listened to his life advice. He lived life the way he wanted to ,and was so proud of his Son's accomplishments. I started working on Jerry's Ford vehicles in 1977. He kept all service records under the seat and was always quick to show me exactly how he wanted his work done. After several years of working on Ole Blue he purchased a Bronco II, and a full size bronco. He designed 2 pull behind trailers that I built for him that were built for camping near Rock Creek with his Son's. I enjoyed maintaining his vehicles and doing all his services with (Ford) only parts, he always wanted the best and settled for nothing less. I am so thankful for My dear Friend Jerry, may you Rest in peace!!