Leo Francis McConville

May 28, 1918 - Feb. 11, 2009

INDIANOLA -- Leo Francis McConville of McCook died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at Hillcrest Nursing Home. He was 90 years old.

Leo was born on May 28, 1918, in Frontier County, Neb., to Joseph Leo and Grace Frances (Chitwood) McConville. He graduated from Havana High School, Frontier County, in 1934.

On Oct. 9, 1941, he was united in marriage to Nellie Margaret Reiners at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola. He entered the U.S. Army on March 3, 1942. and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 10, 1946.

Leo and his family returned to the Indianola area where they raised their four daughters. Leo was a farmer and sold insurance. He also managed the Bartley Lumber Yard and was owner/operator of the Champion Recreation and Lunch in McCook for many years.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, McCook Eagles and Indianola American Legion Post No. 344.

He enjoyed playing cards, reading and writing poetry. He loved all little children especially his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph and Grace McConville; step-mother, Mary McConville; one great-grandson, Isaac Cornwell; two brothers, John "Eldon" and Dale McConville; one sister, Rita McConville; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Nellie McConville of McCook; four daughters, Jane and husband, Richard Rayer of Indianola, Lois and husband, Bryan Kinne, Patricia and husband, Jonathan Burkey and Emma Jean and husband, David Colling, all of McCook; two brothers, Harold McConville and wife, Patricia of Lodi, Calif., and Charles McConville of Indianola; two sisters, Ruth and husband, George Metz and Delores "Kate" McConville, all of San Diego, Calif.; 16 grandchildren, Mike Rayer, Father Dan Rayer, Janet (Tim) Cornwell, Marla (Randy) Hoelscher, Lonnie Kinne, Larry (Dawn) Kinne, Lori (Steve) Stein, Lynn (Katie) Kinne, Lanette Kinne, David (Cheryl) Burkey, Lisa (Tracy) Eustace, Brenda (Matt) Manteufel, Mark (Robin) Colling, Anne (Travis) McCarville, Marie (Martin) Kipper and Laura Colling; 18 great-grandchildren; numerous family and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be today until 5 p.m. and Friday until time of rosary at the funeral home.

Rosary will be Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola with Father Dan Rayer, Father Thomas McGuire and Father Gary Brethour officiating. Burial will be in the St. Catherine's Cemetery with a military committal.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.