Herbert "Buddy" O'Connell, 84, of Van Vleck lost his battle with cancer on Friday, November 7, 2014. Buddy was born February 7, 1930 in Bay City, Texas to the late Edward and Myra Ethel Bickham O'Connell. He was a 1951 graduate of Texas A&M University and then served in the Army for 2 years.

Buddy was employed by M.W. Kellogg where he and his wife traveled extensively including China, Russia and Europe. Upon his retirement, they lived in France for 5 years, then Venezuela for 2. After returning in 1993, they built their home and settled in Van Vleck, Texas.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth O'Connell. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Wanda; brother Frank O'Connell (Henrietta); nieces Cathy (Larry) Weathers, Teresa (Bryan) Dodd, Lisa (Patrick) Kirchner; nephews Joe (Norma) O'Connell and John (Jodie) O'Connell and numerous other family members and friends.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, November 9 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. The funeral service will be 10:00am Monday, November 10 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Carter officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are Pat O'Connell, Ed Stafford, David Bridgwater, Paul Bickham, Joe O'Connell and John O'Connell. Honorary pallbearers are Eugene Bickham, Billy Bickham, Thomas Rugeley, Johnnie Bickham, Lane Bickham, Ben Bickham and Wendell Lawler.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Houston Hospice El Campo and especially Marie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Houston Hospice El Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, Texas 77437 or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home/Bay City 979-245-4613.