Michael Joseph O'Connell, 81, of Elkhart, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at his home surrounded by loving family. He was born on November 5, 1942, in Montgomery, WV, to the late Andrew Jr. and Arabelle (Garrage) O'Connell.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ann (Nitchell) O'Connell of Elkhart; children, Duane (Martha) O'Connell of Plymouth, Michael O'Connell of South Bend, Edward "Ed" Eggleston of Bristol, Jackie (Rick) Hammond of Mishawaka, and Melodie (Gordon) Nickerson of Osceola; grandchildren, Rocky, Johnathan, Macey, Jeremy, and Justin; several great grandchildren; siblings, Andrew "Fuzz" O'Connell and Margaret Wright, both of Mishawaka; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances.

Michael was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie (Harrison) O'Connell; parents; son, Jeff Eggleston; siblings, Ike and Thomas O'Connell; and brother-in-law, Fred Wright.

Services for Michael will begin on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM at Billings Funeral Home. On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, a funeral service will be held at 12 PM with an hour of visitation prior beginning at 11 AM at Billings Funeral Home. Pastor Jacob LaBounty of Zion Missionary Church and Pastor Neil Davis will be officiating. A burial with military honors and a graveside service will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Michael proudly served his country in the US Navy for 4 years. Once honorably discharged, he worked for Bull Moose Tube for 26 years and Wheelbrator & Frye for 20 years as a production worker. He was also a longtime member of the American Legion Post 308 in Osceola, the Clay Democratic Club in South Bend, the VFW Post 88 in Elkhart, and the DAV Chapter 19 in Elkhart.

In his spare time, Michael enjoyed listening to country classics such as Willie Nelson, watching NASCAR races or a Notre Dame football game, dancing, and hunting. He also was an avid fan of cars and motorcycles, owning his own Corvette and Harley Davidson bike that he adored.

Michael will best be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who never met a stranger. He, along with all the love and joy he shared, will be dearly missed by those whose hearts he touched throughout his life.

Memorial donations made in Michael's honor can be directed to Heart 2 Heart Hospice, 1178 Fremont Ct. Ste. 2, Elkhart, IN 46516.

Heart to Heart Hospice
1178 Fremont Court, Ste. 2, Elkhart IN 46516
Tel: 1-574-350-4977