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Show Prominent Business Man, Civic Leader Claimed By Death Lafayette McConnell, 72, prominent prom-inent business man and civic worker, work-er, died Monday afternoon following follow-ing an Illness of several manths duration. An enthusiastic sportsman, sports-man, Mr. McConnell spent several days hunting deer last October, and was stricken ill shortly after his return home. He had been bedfast since that time. He was born In Cecjar City on October 15, 1868, a son of Henry H. and Eliza Williams McConnell, early southern Utah pioneers. His early life was spent as a ranchman and stockralser, having participated participat-ed with members of his family In the development of the Quitchipah stock ranch. Later he entered business In Cedar Ce-dar City, and was owner and operator oper-ator of the Cedar City Drug store for more than twenty years, and was co-publisher of the Iron County Coun-ty Record for several years. He retired re-tired from his drug business only about a year ago. During his earlier life he was extremely ex-tremely active in community dramatic dram-atic productions in Cedar City, the principal recreational activity n Cedar City for many years. An outstanding out-standing comedian, he performed In all the local productions and also acted as director of the Cedar City Dramatic Club for several years. He was a charter member of the local Elks Lodge, an active member of the Chamber of Commerce for manv venrs &nri nlsn vn tive In political circles, having served serv-ed for several years as chairman of the Iron County Republican committee. com-mittee. When the Cedar City tabernacle was built In 1885, Mr. McConnell was one of the Ward members who labored on It, and during 1930 and 31 he served as a member of the building committee for the erection of the First Ward Chapel, and contributed con-tributed much time and effort to the completion of that building. He married Emily Wilkinson In the St. Oeorge temple on December 22, 1891, and together they served In many church capacities. They were members of the "old folks" committee for years. Mr. McConnell is survived by a daughter, Gladys McConnell; two brothers and a sister, William J. and Thomas F. McConnell, and Mrs. R. W. Bulloch, and three grandchildren, grand-children, all of Cedar City. Impressive funeral services were held for Mr. McConnell In the First Ward Chapel Wednesday afternoon, with a large crowd of friends from all parts of southern Utah attending. attend-ing. The services were conducted by Bp. George W. Grimshaw. Speakers at the services were H. H. Lunt. George A. Wood, Samuel F. Leigh, and Alex H. Rollo who gave a tribute to the deceased from the Elks Lodge. The opening song, "My Father Knows", was by o quartet composed of Alice Williams. Ray Cosslett and Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Wood, accompanied by Mrs. Melba Sargent. The closing song, "I Need Thee Every Hour" was also by the quartet. A vocal duet, "It Was For Me", was sung by Keith Macfarlane and Ray Cosslett, accompanied ac-companied by Mrs. Macfarlane. Frank B. Wood gave the opening prayer, Wm. B. Adams the benediction, bene-diction, and the grave was dedicated by Herbert W. Webster. s |