Thomas McConnell
March 7, 1917-March 29, 1934
Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 30, 1934, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
NILES BOY DIES OF GYM SHOW INJURIES
Thomas McConnell, 17, Fails to Rally After Becoming Unconscious Wednesday
Injuries received while practicing for the annual gym show staged recently at the Niles high school resulted in the death of Thomas McConnell, 17, 1430 Sheridan avenue, high school junior, at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon in Pawating hospital shortly after he had been removed there in an ambulance.
At the time of his injury the youth was not considered in serious condition, however, following frequently reoccurring headaches, he was found to be suffering from intercrannial pressure. He lapsed into a coma Wednesday night and never regained full consciousness.
The student was very active in the physical education department of the high school and was prominent in Boy Scout activities of troops 70 and 71.
The deceased was born in Michigan City, March 7, 1917. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.J. McConnell; two sisters, Mrs. Elmer Bowers and Mrs. Frank Freeman, both of South Bend; a brother, Donald McConnell, 409 North Eighth street; and five brothers, Floyd Jr., James, Carl, Jack and Robert, all at home.
Charles Womble, William Brown, Paul Prenkert, Gerold Leet, Thomas Rice and Richard Strong, members of troops 70 and 71, will act as pallbearers.
Funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon with the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating. Friends may call at the Troost and Turner funeral home until Saturday afternoon when the body will be removed to the home.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, March 31, 1934, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
M'CONNELL RITES MONDAY
Funeral services for Thomas McConnell, Niles high school student who died Thursday as a result of head injuries received while practicing for the recent gym show, will be held at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon at the home, 1430 Sheridan avenue, with the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating. Members of Scout troops 70 and 71 will act as pallbearers. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 2, 1934, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Boy Scouts in Charge of McConnell Funeral
Funeral services for Thomas McConnell, high school student who died Thursday from injuries received recently while practicing for the annual gym show, were held at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon at the home, 1430 Sheridan avenue with the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating and the Boy Scouts of 70 and 71 in charge of the rites.
The scout guard of honor was comprised of Gordon and Howard Edwards, Richard Crouch and Clarence Thornton were the guards at the home. Charles [illegible] was the bugler.
Pallbearers were Jerome Leet, Thomas Rice, Paul Prenkert, Robert Charles Womble and William Brown. The scout benediction was read at the close of the services. Interment was in Silverbrook cemetery.