Connell Craig Gathers

On 4 April, Connell Craig Gathers of Byram, MS, age 71, passed away peacefully at home. It

was his birthday. His wife of 41 years, Margo Walls Gathers, and his fur-boys, Sergeant and

Trooper, were by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold E. and Sarah J.

“Sally” Gathers, and twin brother William K. Gathers of Sligo, PA. In addition to his wife,

Connell will be missed by siblings, Cheryl Milanovich (Allan) Butler, PA; Dianne Radaker

(Ron) Sligo, PA; Leo Gathers, Sligo, PA; Daniel Gathers (Marcia) Rimersburg, PA; Donald

Gathers (Gail), Sligo, PA; Margo’s sister, Cathy Berry (Rick) of Crystal Springs; many nieces,

nephews; grand nieces, grand nephews; more family and many friends.

Connell served in the U.S. Army between 1973 and 1992, including deployment in

“Operation Desert Storm.” Afterward, he and Margo were support personnel for the Federal

Bureau of Investigation. Connell’s employment with the FBI was 2000-2016. After

retirement, the couple enjoyed camping, family, and their dogs. Connell loved his truck and

motorcycle and became a registered member of the “Patriot Guard Riders”.

The couple were members of Trinity Wesleyan Church of Byram and attended until

prevented by health issues.

Connell’s family appreciates the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by

Traditions Healthcare of Jackson.

A memorial celebration is set for Thursday, April 17 at Trinity Wesleyan Church

6950 S. Siwell Rd., Byram, MS 39272 Visitation, 1:00 p.m.; Memorial Service, 2:00 p.m.

Connell’s Facebook bio, typed in all caps., reads, “AMERICAN PATRIOTIC CHRISTIAN

VETERAN WHO LOVES CHRIST, FAMILY, FRIENDS, MY VETERAN BROTHERS, FREEDOM”.

It is all true.

Connell Gathers was born on April 4, 1954, in Sligo, PA to Harold and Sarah “Sally” Gathers.

He and his twin, William “Keith” were the youngest of their 7 children. Their father had seen

combat action at Normandy and in Germany during WW2 as an ambulance driver in the

U.S. Army. Sadly, years later, as a hardworking husband and father, he was killed in a

construction accident, leaving Sally to raise 5 boys and 2 girls on her own. She never

remarried but was a strong woman and a dedicated mother for the rest of her days. Connell

was 14 years old at the time of his father’s passing. It acected him very much. He grew up

with a love for his hometown, the people, the woods, and the mountains of Pennsylvania.

Even though Connell shared some pretty wild accounts of his youth, he never forgot the

core values his parents instilled in him: a love of God, family, country, and friends was

reflected in his lifestyle.

Those values undoubtedly influenced his decision to enlist in the U.S. Army. While

stationed in Germany, Connell was asked by his NCO, SFC Carrol Crawford, and his wife

Pat to escort a young woman friend who was visiting them from the States. From the

moment Connell walked into the Crawford home and saw Margo for the first time, he was

smitten. Rumor has it that he was speechless at that encounter. If so, it is the only

documented instance of Connell ever being speechless. Connell and Margo visited “fairy

tale” castles and landscapes. By the end of Margo’s stay, Connell had asked her to marry

him. After her return home, arrangements were made for the 2 to be wed in Pennsylvania

with Connell’s family in attendance. Together, they completed Connell’s service in the

Army.

The couple retired to Mississippi where both came into the employ of the Federal Bureau of

Investigation. By the time of his second retirement, Connell had served the U.S. public for a

combined total of over 17 years.

Margo and Connell have been a couple, truly dedicated to each other for 41 years. Were

you around Connell for any amount of time you knew how much he loved her and what a

great life they have shared. They enjoyed their camper and their dogs together. At 67,

Connell again owned a motorcycle and relived the sense of freedom experienced on a ride.

Time and health brought unwanted, but inevitable changes. Still, as with everything else in

his life, Connell exited this World pretty much the way he wanted. While Margo and the

dogs kept vigil at his side, he transitioned to his “Permanent Duty Station” to serve in the

Presence of His Lord. It was his 71st birthday.

Connell’s family takes great comfort in the fact that Connell was vocal about his Faith. Not

only that, but Connell lived it out sincerely and humbly. He was generous to a fault,

trustworthy, and kind, despite an occasional spell of cantankerousness, especially about

the “P Word”. P as in politics - but he never lost his love for and ability to talk to anyone and

make friends everywhere he went. The world is a little less “home” now with Connell gone.

We’ll miss him for now, but one must smile when you consider he no longer needs wheels

to fly.