Dennis Michael "Mike" O'Connell, 64, of Boerne, died Thursday, May 30, 2013.

He was born to the late Bernard Joseph O'Connell and Dolores Ann Streckfus on October 31, 1948. His formative years were spent under the care of his grandmother, the late Aline C. Ernst Streckfus. Mike graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1966 where he was a member of the state champion football team, and received a Bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and a Master's degree from the University of Houston/Victoria.

Mike served in the Army and spent time in Vietnam under combat duty. He was honorably discharged in 1970 with the rank of SPEC-5.

Mike spent 30 years as a coach, teacher, and school administrator for the Mexia, Calhoun, and Industrial school districts. He then worked as a benefits counselor for the Texas Veterans Commission while also serving as the Victoria County Veterans Service Officer for 10 years before retiring to Cuero, TX.

He was pre-deceased by his eldest son Jeffery Michael O'Connell and is survived by his son Ryan Patrick O'Connell; his granddaughter Molly Isabel O'Connell and her mother Diana Winters; his brother James J. "Jim" O'Connell; and his sister Aline Ward. He is also survived by two nieces, one grand-niece, and two grand-nephews.

In memory of his late son Jeffery Michael O'Connell, the family would ask that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center online at www.mdanderson.org/gifts/, by mail to The University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, or by phone at (713) 792-3450 or(800) 525-5841.

A graveside service will be held Friday, June 14, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Pastor Jack Hutson officiating. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select the Obituaries tab.

Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne, TX.