Howard Emery McConnell, otherwise known as “Emery”, 92, and a lifelong Lawrence Township resident passed away on May 5, 2026, with his son Michael by his side.

Emery was born June 1, 1933, at 2:55am in the family home on East 75th Street, known as “The Country”, (property established in 1851) and during the Great Depression. In 1931, his parents, Howard and Julia, were living in Indianapolis, and had two daughters, Elizabeth (1929) and Julia Ann (1931) and his father, Howard, had lost his job. The family moved back to “The Country” (Julia’s family home) on the promise from Uncle Eldreth Urbain, of milk for the babies and a job for Howard (Hillsdale Nursery) in exchange for helping Octavia, Julia’s mother, who was recently widowed. Emery was born there two years later. Emery grew up and built his home on this 75th Street property and lived there his whole life.

He attended Castleton School and in 1951, he graduated from Lawrence Central High School. His Senior profile listed his known nickname as “Huck”. During these years he participated in football, basketball, baseball, track, was member of the Hi-Y and the FBLA. Emery’s ambition then was to drive in the 500-mile race.

Emery’s family were lifelong, active member of Castleton United Methodist Church. His grandmother, Octavia, pledged to lead a Christian Life to Brother Morgan at the Vertland Church in 1891. His mother, Julia, was on the Cradle Roll in1909, as was Emery in 1933. His parents, Howard and Julia were loving and giving people, and their children followed their examples. Emery joined the church in 1946 and continued this legacy of service. He was an integral member of this church, involved in ALL aspects of the church. Emery was a Lay Leader, MYF youth sponsor, leader of pledge drives, a friend to all.

He then later served 2 years in the Army, (1952-1953 Korean Conflict), stationed at Ft Hood Texas, in the Army Tank Corp. After his time in the Army, he started and ran a successful Insurance Company in Castleton.

Emery was a founding member of Castleton Volunteer Fire Department. He was fearless, and brave, once running into a burning building to rescue a person and then had to be rescued himself. During the Water Ball Contests, he was usually the lead fireman managing the fire nozzle. He was also instrumental in the transition of the Castleton Volunteer Fireman’s Fish Fry to the CUMC Fish Fry we know today.

Emery married Blanche Phillips Church on June 26, 1959, and became a father to Dana, Jane and David Church. Together through the years, their family grew and later they welcomed their son, Michael.

Together, Emery and Blanche loved to travel. They travelled to Idaho, Alaska, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, and many other places.

Emery was the go-to person for the family. There was never a problem that couldn’t be solved or a task too big to handle. Emery was at the core; even during his work days, he had a job list on a yellow legal pad, he still managed to attend the Reunions, Birthdays, Weddings, Funerals, and always found the time to start the bonfires, usually the bigger the better, for Hayride-Wiener Roasts.

Emery loved to go and looked forward to weekly outings; Sunday Church, sitting next to family and friends, Wednesday Coffee and bagels with his church friends, Saturday Arby’s, lunch with family “order for Howard”, and the monthly McConnell Breakfast. He was able to do so until the last few months. Everywhere he went people were glad to see him and his smile.

Howard Emery McConnell lived a life “Well-Done” and will be missed by all he touched.

Howard Emery is survived by his children, Michael McConnell, Dana (Don) Chamness, Jane Church and David Church; his brother, James Arthur (Connie) McConnell; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and 17 nephews and nieces.

Emery was preceded in death by his loving wife, Blanche; his parents, Howard and Julia (Emery) McConnell; and his sisters; Elizabeth (McConnell) Perkins (Don), Julia Ann (McConnell) Byerly (Ellsworth).

Visitation will be from 10a-12p on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Castleton United Methodist Church - 7101 Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46250, with a funeral service immediately to follow at 12pm. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Castleton United Methodist Church, 7101 Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46250.