Clair "Fuzzy" O'Connell
August 18, 1940 ~ April 5, 2020
Clair “Fuzzy” O’Connell, 79, of Columbus, passed from this life into the presence of the Lord Sunday, April 5, 2020, at his home.
Clair O’Connell, known as “Fuzzy” by his family and friends, was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, August 18, 1940. He was the son of Van and Cordelia O’Connell. He was united in marriage to Phyllis J. Turner on February 3, 1961.
He graduated from Central High School in Madison Indiana in 1958. He and his family moved to Columbus in 1966, when he started working for Cummins Engine Company. He retired from Cummins in 1997. Fuzzy enjoyed NASCAR racing, riding motorcycles and metal detecting. He loved his family, visiting with friends and helping others. He was a faithful Christian and was very involved with Medical Missions for Christ. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was never afraid to share the love and hope of Jesus with others.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; sons, Clair Keith O’Connell of Hartsville and Steven Randall (Jennifer) O’Connell of Columbus; daughters, Anita Lynn (Kenny) Ebenkamp and Julie Bess (Michael) Lashley both of Columbus; grandchildren, Christopher Thomas O’Connell, Cory Steven O’Connell, Lindsey Dawn O’Connell, Hannah Lynn Followell, Ezra Ivan Followell, Kayla Dawn Branum and Kinsey Marie (David) Thompson; great-grandchildren, Elijah Justin O’Connell, Seamus Patrick Connors, David James Thompson, Abigail Marie Thompson, Zoey Reese Thompson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael O’Connell; grandson, Justin Tyler O’Connell; great-granddaughter, Madison Dixie-Ann Baker.
No funeral services are planned. Fuzzy’s family has requested for memorial contributions to be made in his memory to the Gracepoint Church 330 W. Whiteland Road New Whiteland, Indiana 46184 or the Apache Creek Deaf and Youth Ranch P. O. Box 260 Reserve, New Mexico 87830 through the funeral home.
Arrangements provided by Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to sign the guest book, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the funeral home website.
www.jewellrittman.com
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I have so many fond memories of my Uncle Fuzzy, I can’t possibly name one. Uncle Fuzzy always showed interest in anything I was doing. He would interact with me anytime I was around him. He was genuinely interested in what I was doing whether it was playing sports in high school or talking about our horrible knees! I can’t recall a conversation that he didn’t smile, laugh, and joke with me. I loved my Uncle Fuzzy and I will miss him terribly. No doubt in my mind he is having a ball in heaven!!!
Rest in Eternal Peace Fuzzy. Such a great guy to work with in the Cummins Tech Center. A great mentor when I was the “mechanics helper”. Fuzzy always had a smile and somethiing good to say. Smart, actually very smart, mechanic. Thanks for those great times in the 70’s my friend.
Anita, I am so sorry for your lost. My prayers to your family in this difficult time. Michelle Richards Hatchett
RIP ole friend….My pleasure to work with Fuzzy at the Cummins Tech Ctr. Always willing to help with anything you we’re doing at work or home projects….We often talked Motorcycles which we both enjoyed….He will be missed by all who knew him as well as remembered for his kindness and good nature….My thoughts to Phyllis and Family….
Phyllis and family….you have my sympathy in the passing of Fuzz. I really can sympathize with you. I didnt know him well but felt like I did. He was always kind friendly and I know the both of you have a lot of friends who will comfort you. Here’s a big hug for you, Phyliss. RIP Fuzz. Praise God for our Heavenly Home.
Lit a candle in memory of Clair “Fuzzy” O’Connell
Phyllis, so surprised by the death of a great friend and Christian. I will miss him at Bob Evans, I looked forward to seeing both of u there. I asked Tammy where you were and if you were ok and she told me all was fine. Little did she know. Fuzzy was a great person and he covered for me at the Cummins Tech Center. He got me out of trouble many times and never seemed to mind helping me. He was a patient and understanding man. I will certainly miss him. May God bless you in your time of grief. I am here for you if you need to talk. Your friend Doran Chambers.
Phyllis, my deepest sympathies for your loss. I loved working with you at Arvin and will miss bumping into you and Fuzzy at breakfast restaurants. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Angie McGaha
Words can not tell you the love and respect we had for Fuzz ( dad) .We will keep you all in our prayers .
Jaxson and Julie #4
The strong, silent type, a Manly man, one of the kindest men I ever knew…that was what I saw when I looked at my Uncle Fuzzy. I know he had to be a great father, because he has wonderful kids, and I know he had to be a wonderful husband because his wife always seemed happy! I know he was a Godly man because he was willing to do whatever he could for the family of God, sacrificing time and talent to help in any way. I know he made an impact on my life in so many ways that I cannot express, always caring about me and my family and always making sure he asked about us all every time I saw him. I know he will be missed because this kind of person, who makes such an impact leaves a big hole in hearts. Best news of all, I know he is rejoicing and praising Jesus at his feet right now I know he has been running and shouting on the streets of gold. No more pain, no suffering, no more battles, just an eternity with our Lord and Savior. Oh death where is thy sting, oh grave where is thy victory? I am so sorry for your loss. I love you all and praise God for each of you.
Cindy (Turner) Upchurch
I’ve known Fuzz sense 1965. We worked together most of that time, until we retired. He was one of the best. I sure am going to miss him.
Fuzz was a true friend to many people. I am proud to say that I am one of those lucky ones. I first met Fuzz after my discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1966 and returned to work at Cummins Engine Company. We both worked in the research center and quickly became good friends. We both loved to work on cars and go to the races. In 1969, I purchased a ’57 Chevy and quickly converted it into a race car. I moved to Florida in 1971, but kept in contact with Fuzz through the years. I visited Fuzz and Phyllis when I visited Indiana and sent him pictures of the old ’57 race car, which I still have. Even after Fuzz became ill, he still kept in contact by e-mail. This “Big Man” will be missed by many people, but none more than me. Rest In Peace my friend! Will be seeing you later.
Larry Flynn
Lutz, Fl.
Fuzzy will be missed by all who he touched. I always enjoyed working with Fuzzy He taught me a lot back in the early days at the Tech. Center. I will miss seeing his big grin. He is surely in a better place now and no more suffering, His friend Steve Blackwood
Dad and I will miss our breakfasts with Fuzzy. He was a good friend and we valued that friendship so much. I remember when he came over and showed me how to hitch up my new tow dolly to my RV. Our prayers and love go out to Phyllis and the rest of the family.
this is Jerry Buchanan, we loved Clair..I went to school in the same grade for several years..I used to go home with him and we got up about 5:00 am and done barn work before school…He had wonderful parents..He drove one of our cars for the first time in his life..I will sure miss him at the yearly Cummins Christmas party at Sirloin Stockade. Best wishes to his family and wife Phyllis..
Lit a candle in memory of Clair “Fuzzy” O’Connell
Lit a candle in memory of Clair “Fuzzy” O’Connell
My wife Pamela and I knew Fuzzy from Kramer’s for breakfast so sorry for the families loss. Pamela went to heaven in June of last year. Saw him a lot of mornings.
I am the son of his brother (Michael O’Connell). I only met him 2/3 times but he ways always a warm soul.