Edwin McConnell

Edwin "Eddie" Michael McConnell, 51 of Mountain Home, passed away Monday, Jan. 4, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. A graveside service will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home.

Eddie was born on Feb. 18, 1964, in American Falls, Idaho, to Victor H. "Mac" and Mary Ellen McConnell. Eddie was the middle child with an older brother, Jon; sister, Patti; and younger brother, Cory.

He was raised in Hells Canyon and graduated from Pine Eagle High School in 1982. Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Eddie enlisted in the U.S Navy, serving in Hawaii, Alaska, Philippines, South Korea and Japan. His final port was San Diego, Calif.

After being honorably discharged, he joined his family in Hagerman, Idaho, where he worked as a ditch rider on the Bell Rapids Irrigation Project for a few years. He then started his life on the road as a long-haul truck driver and drove to the day he passed.

Eddie was a one-of-a-kind person. No one could light up a room like he did when he walked in, and he sure did know how to make you laugh and smile. Eddie was very compassionate and caring to anyone and everyone he knew in his life.

For the many miles on the road Eddie spent, he never seemed too far from home. He enjoyed long phone calls with loved ones, coming home as often as he could and making sure he caused some type of commotion. The holidays were never complete without Uncle Eddie mashing the potatoes.

He enjoyed spending time with all the families' animals. He was notorious for feeding them exactly what they didn't need or supposed to have. Eddie was not married and did not have any children but he made sure his nieces were loved and spoiled.

Eddie was taken from us too early and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ellen McConnell of Mountain Home; brother Jon McConnell of Denver, Colo., and his daughter, Ashley; sister Patti and Jim Osborn of Mountain Home and their two daughters, Sarah and Amanda and Amanda's husband Aron; brother Cory and Maria McConnell of Weiser and their daughter, Lindsey; and many great friends and fellow drivers. He is preceded in death by his father, Victor H. McConnell.

Memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter or The Humane Society, P.O. Box 10, Mountain Home, ID 83647. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.