Richard Donald Connell, 66, was born September 9, 1939 on the family farm in Kroschel, Minnesota to Forest Bert and Elsie Connell and passed away January 8, 2006 in Kennewick, WA. After graduating from high school in Hinckley, Minnesota in 1957, Richard entered the military and served with the Army in Germany until being honorably discharged in 1963. After leaving the Army, he moved to Kennewick, Washington, where he met his wife, Wendy. They were married in Yakima in 1967 and settled in Kennewick, where they lived for 38 years. Richard worked for Columbia Concrete in the 60?s, and then went to work for Prior Farms as a Heavy Duty Farm Mechanic until he retired about three years ago. Now he had time for his most favorite job, being a taxi driver for his grandchildren. He loved music of all kinds, especially Johnny Cash. After Wendy passed away, he became a self-taught cook and baker, keeping his family well stacked with fresh bread and stew. He also enjoyed traveling with his niece, Lavon Morgan to Minnesota to visit family and friends and was looking forward to making the trip again this summer. He also enjoyed emailing friends and family and kept everyone furnished with plenty of good jokes. This we will miss greatly. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Elsie Connell, wife Wendy, Sister Ethel Pearson of Kennewick, Washington and Sister Marion Kuhn of Hinckley, Minnesota. He is survived by his daughter Rachel Morales, husband Hector and Grandsons Beau and Niko; son Michael Connell and grandsons Brian, Christopher and Michael, all of Pasco, Washington, Sister, Dolores Fluegge of Braham, Minnesota, Brother Ray Connell of Long Beach, Washington and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a public viewing from 3-8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at Mueller?s Chapel of the Falls Funeral Home 314 W. 1st Ave. Kennewick. Funeral services will be held on Thursday January 12, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Cathedral of Joy, 1153 Gage Blvd. Richland, Washington.