Aledo, Texas - Elby Alfred "E.A." Connel Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Aledo, Texas, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Born July 12, 1945, in Baird, Texas, to Elby Alfred "Eb" Connel, Sr., and Mabel Shelton, E.A. grew up in Clyde, Texas. He began his career as a bank teller in Clyde, later moving to Eastland as a loan officer, and then to Brady, where he eventually purchased the bank where he worked. He then settled in Mineral Wells, Texas, before moving to Aledo. An accomplished entrepreneur, E.A. built and renovated homes and founded Mr. C Food Stores, among many other business ventures. Known for his business acumen and generosity, E.A. quietly donated money and resources to countless individuals in need, often without recognition or anyone's knowledge.

E.A. is survived by his devoted spouse, Brenda Connel; children, Dean Connel, Daren Connel, B.J. Fielding, Lori Geehan, James Taylor, and Daniel Taylor; 12 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, July 14, 2025, at Northside Baptist Church, 910 North Main St., Weatherford, Texas.