Harold David Conner

Harold David Conner
A Life Well Lived
Announcement:
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Harold David Conner, lovingly known as Hap, Bud but in most cases simply as Pop, on 8/19/2024. He peacefully departed from this world at his home surrounded by his closest loved ones. He passed away from a 7-year long battle with Alzheimer's Dementia. Dementia is a term for loss of memory, language and other thinking abilities that interfere with daily life and personal relationships. This ugly disease that will change who a person used to be, can be slow progressing and has no cure, and Pop found that out, but not without a long fight.
Identification/Personal Information:
Born on 4/15/1939 in Ina, Illinois, Harold Conner was a remarkable individual who led a more than fulfilling life. He resided in Bethalto, Illinois for 18 years and prior to that in Southern Illinois, primarily in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was the beloved son of Denzel Conner (DECEASED) and Dortha (Griffen) Conner (DECEASED) who both have preceded him in death. He was the sibling to 10 brothers and sisters, 5 of whom preceded in him in death. Brothers; Bob Conner (DECEASED) Denzel Conner (DECEASED) Richard Conner (DECEASED), Gerald Conner and wife Debbie. Sisters; Deliah (Conner) Reams and husband Larry, Alice (Conner) Hellrung and husband Kenneth, Neva (Conner) Wells and husband Marvin, Frances (Conner) Crain (DECEASED), Glenda (Conner) Brewer (DECEASED) and Elsie (Conner) Vinson and husband Don.
Throughout his ambitious career he served in the Marines and in the Navy and was also a military recruiter. From that point he was everything from a gas station attendant, department store manager, race car driver, member of the Sesser Police Department, Franklin County Sherriff's Department and Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. After all of that, he then owned his own trucking company (Conner Trucker) and was an over the road long haul truck driver for 25 years before finally retiring. (Seems as if he was everything except an astronaut, but he did admit to 'getting high once'.
Family Details:
He shared his life and love with his devoted spouse, Mary Conner for the past 55 years, whom he leaves behind.
Harold Conner was a cherished father to 7 children, 4 of whom preceded his death. Sherri Conner (DECEASED), Denny Conner (DECEASED), Tammy (Conner) Webb and husband Michael, David Franklin (DECEASED), Mary (Conner) Lantrip (DECEASED), Larry Franklin, Tammy (Conner) Stewart and husband Scotty.
He leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 1 of whom preceded his death. Tammy Webb's Children; Deanna (Wright) Tucker, Shawn Wright and wife Kristen, Rebecca Webb. Mary Lantrip's Children; Theresa (Conner) Collman (ADOPTED and RAISED by Harold and Mary Conner) and husband Jerry, Craig Farrell and wife Talia. Larry Franklin's Son; Evan Franklin and spouse Elli Hammons. Tammy Stewart's children; Stephen Caldwell and wife Kelly, James Caldwell (DECEASED).
He also leaves behind 19 Great Grand Children. Deanna Tucker's children; David Tucker, Layla Tucker, Nevah Tucker. Shawn Wright's children; Abbigail Wright, Jacob Wright. Rebecca Webb's children; Gary Ratcliff. Theresa Collman's children; Kristian Young and wife Mikayla, Hannah Collman and husband Mark, Megan Collman, Kraig Young and wife Brittney and Elizabeth Reed. Craig Farrell's children; Caden Farrell, Colten Farrell. Evan Franklin children; Holden Franklin, Sienna Franklin. Stephen Caldwell's children; Jakob Caldwell, Jayden Caldwell, Laura Caldwell. James Caldwell children; Leland Caldwell.
He also leaves behind 2 great great grandchildren David Tucker's child; Camden Tucker and Kristian Young's child; Jason Young. Also, several surviving relatives and close acquaintances who will deeply miss him.
Personal Touches:
In reflecting upon his life, we remember Harold Conner retiring, finding himself perched in his favorite recliner watching reruns of Golden Girls or his favorite game show host Steve Harvey on Family Feud. He was known for the spring in his step. His presence brought joy to those around him. His legacy will forever be etched in our hearts.
Funeral Details:
The visitation service to honor and celebrate the life of Harold Conner was held on 8/21/2024 from 5pm to 8pm at Johnston Funeral Home 102 E 2nd St Ina, Illinois 62846. The funeral service will be held on 8/21/2024 at 11am at Johnston Funeral Home 102 E 2nd St Ina, Illinois 62846 with Military Send Off and Burial immediately following at Franklin Cemetery Whittington, Illinois 62897. Your presence and support during this difficult time are greatly appreciated.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have shown their love, support, and condolences during this time of bereavement. Your thoughts and kind words have provided us with solace and strength.
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