Norman Kay Connell
October 31, 1939 ~ July 10, 2021
NORMAN KAY CONNELL (81) passed away on July 10, 2021, after an extended struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. Norman was born on October 31, 1939, the youngest son of Leland R. and Britta M. (Laughlin) Connell. Early in life, he and his brother Max lived with their Aunt Doris and Uncle Iven Connell in Dana, IN for nine years. He then returned to Mooresville to live with Leland and his stepmom, Orda Jane (Burris) Connell.
Norman graduated from Mooresville High School in 1957, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Upon being discharged in 1961, he began his career at Citizens Bank in Mooresville. Norman progressed through a series of positions at the bank, before serving as President and CEO from 1975 until his retirement in 2001. He then served on the Board of Directors until 2009. During his banking career, Norman attended classes at Indiana University, Indiana Central College, and graduated from the School of Banking Administration at the University of Wisconsin in 1976. Then, in 1977, Norman graduated from the Commercial Lending School of the American Banking Association at the University of Oklahoma. In addition to his career in banking, he served on the board of many civic and service organizations, including the Mooresville Lions Club, Mooresville Chamber of Commerce, Mooresville Library Board, Mooresville Revitalization Group, Mooresville Redevelopment Commission, Mooresville Nature Club, Kendrick Memorial Hospital, Kendrick Foundation, and Indiana Bankers Association. He received a Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Robert Orr in 1987, and again from Governor Frank O’Bannon in 2001. He was named ‘Mooresvillian of the Year’ by the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce in 1993 and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Mooresville High School Alumni Association in 1997. After retirement he served in a variety of positions at the Mooresville Friends Church, Western Yearly Meeting of Friends, and Friends United Meeting.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Malinda Lee Haltom.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ruth (Key) Connell, and children: Rebecca Connell (Tim Sheridan), William “Todd” Connell (Barbara), and John Connell (Kelly), nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and brother Max Connell.
Norman’s Life Celebration® visitation and funeral service will be held at Carlisle - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 39 E. High St., Mooresville. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 4 to 8 p.m., with services beginning at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 15, 2021. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Mooresville Friends Church, 50 N. Monroe Street, Mooresville, IN 46158. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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It was an honor and privilege to work as a teller at Citizens Bank under Norman. Norman was a fair and honest man and I loved the fact he would greet us in the mornings as we came into work. He truly taught us to respect and do what we could to help our customers. Bless you and sending prayers to Ruth and all your family and friends. You are and definitely were missed.
With our deepest sympathies.
Sending love and prayers of peace and comfort during this time for your family.
Rebecca, We are so sorry for your loss. You were a wonderful daughter to your dad. Hugs, Cath and Kent
Norman was a kind, caring, quick to respond man. My prayers for comfort continue for family – friends. God is with us. Phyllis Paulsen
With heartfelt condolences,
Those we love dont go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen. Unheard but always near. Still loved. Still missed and always dear.
Norman was a good, devoted man to his family, community and to God. My deepest sympathies to Ruth and the rest of the family. He will be truly missed.
Norman was a good friend and mentor while I was superintended of WYM. Norman was an experienced banker, and an expert at using money. My expectation of him was that he would use money conservatively. As treasurer, I expected him to guard WYM’s money. How surprised I was the first time he asked me, “What are we doing with this money? Why aren’t we using it? How can we use it?” Norman did sometimes stop us from using specific funds. I believe he looked at his work as a calling and a gift from God. He defined stewardship as generosity as well as conserving funds. He was an inspiration to me. He made the world a better place. May God put his arms around Ruth and his family. May they feel his comfort and assurance. Wanda Coffin Baker
It was a pleasure serving on the Mooresville Public Library Board with Norman. He was very knowledgeable and always personable. He was a good friend to my Dad. Condolences to Ruth and the family.