Wanda O'Connell, 86, of Van Vleck passed away April 16, 2016. Wanda was born on January 27, 1930 in Rumley, TX to Lewis & Buna Dixon Lawler. After high school, she attended business school and later became an executive secretary for Sinclair Oil. She married Herb O'Connell in 1963 and they traveled extensively throughout their marriage. They made many friends on their numerous international travels. Wanda and Herb traveled to China, Russia, Australia and Europe, living in France and Venezuela for several years before returning to Texas. In 1993, they built their dream home in Van Vleck where Wanda was able to enjoy nature and the wildlife that surrounded them.

Wanda was full of life and loved to dance. After she moved to Houston, Wanda taught ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

Along with her parents, Wanda is preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Herb O'Connell and brother Wayland Lawler. She is survived by brother, Wendell Lawler and sister in law Reba Lawler. Also survived by brother in law, Frank (Henrietta) O'Connell, nieces and nephews, Dale (Jamie) Lawler, Gale Lawler, Phillip (Debbie) Connell, Cathy (Larry) Weathers, Teresa (Bryan) Dodd, Lisa (Patrick) Kirchner, Joe (Norma) O'Connell, and John (Jodie) O'Connell. Wanda is also survived by cousins, Pat & Lisa O'Connell who provided special care and support for Wanda and Herb for the past 10 years.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, April 19th at 10:00 AM followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Van Vleck. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers include Billy Bickham, Paul Bickham, Patrick Kirchner, Dan O'Connell, John O'Connell and Larry Weathers. Honorary Pallbearers are Eugene Bickham, Johnnie Bickham, Lane Bickham, Phillip Connell, Dale Lawler, Gale Lawler, Thomas Rugeley.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff and caregivers of The Legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Houston Hospice El Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437 or First Methodist Church, P.O. Box 497, Van Vleck, TX 77482.