Wendell Paul O’Connell

On September 22, 2025, Wendell Paul O’Connell, aged 75, of Cocoa, Florida, went to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully, with family by his side, after a long battle with cancer.

Wendell was born on September 15, 1950, to the late Lester and Shirley (Covill) O’Connell, in Oshkosh, WI. He was the youngest of 5 boys.  He grew up on a farm, where his enthusiasm for the country and equestrian lifestyle was sparked. His grandchildren knew him as “Papa or Grandpa Cowboy”, as he loved horses, and his preferred attire was Wrangler jeans, a cowboy hat, and boots (and a Bolo, for the fancier occasions).

Wendell graduated from Fox Valley Technical College, with his Associate’s degree in accounting. He went on to work in computer software sales and support. His most important work was furthering the Kingdom of God by serving at Canaveral Port Ministry, a ministry that meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of seafarers coming into Port Canaveral.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Merritt Island, serving in a multitude of ways, and participated in multiple overseas mission trips throughout his lifetime.

Wendell made an impact on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life on this earth was one marked by love for his family and friends, passion, hard work, honesty, authenticity, and his unwavering faith in Jesus.

Wendell is preceded in death by his parents, Lester O’Connell and Shirley O’Connell; and brothers: Joseph O’Connell, Donald O’Connell, and Larry O’Connell. Wendell is survived by  5 children: Lisa (Darren) Laabs, Winneconne, WI; Scott O’Connell, Oshkosh, WI; Kayla (Michael) Cooper, West Palm Beach, FL; Brenna (Connor) Coine, Lake Worth, FL; Aaron O’Connell, Port St. Lucie, FL; 11 grandchildren: Hunter (Kelsey) Laabs, Elizabeth (Noah) Johnson, and Katelyn Laabs; Molly and Kenzie O’Connell; Noah and Draven Cooper; Arielle, Camden, and Bowen Coine, and Avery O’Connell;  3 great grandchildren: Lakyn and Boden Laabs and Alayah Johnson, and his brother David O’Connell.

Wendell’s memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, 140 Magnolia Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32952, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 4:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to his favorite charity, Canaveral Port Ministry, 8907 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920: Canaveral Port Ministry https://www.cpm.life