JOHN JOSEPH CONNOR

1942 - 2016

John Joseph Connor, 74, of Lenexa, Kan., died on April 30, 2016. Born in Laredo, Texas, to Martha (Kelley) and John Connor on March 11, 1942, he is survived by his three brothers, Pat, Tim and Kevin; his three sons, Mike (Lisa) of Overland Park, Brian (Shannon) of Bristol, Pa., and Matt (Emily) of Indianapolis; and 12 grandchildren, Andrew, Cooper, Ryan, Seamus, Ben, Natalie, Aidan, Elizabeth, Zander, Mary Kate, Dylan, and Yates. Growing up in Fremont, Neb., he graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1960. He went on to attend Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, and received a degree from Midland Lutheran College in 1965. John received his law degree from The Creighton University School of law in 1968. John began his law practice in Omaha, Neb., after receiving his degree, working for the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Thirteen years later, the Kansas City law office of Lathrop & Koontz moved John and his family to Shawnee, Kan. Later in 1991, John returned to his railroad roots and accepted a position with Kansas City Southern Industries Inc.'s law department. John's career as an attorney allowed him to pursue his true passion - arguing with anyone willing (and unwilling) to engage with him, and on nearly any topic. His strongly cultivated sense of stubbornness served him well in local politics, as he spent over 13 years on the City of Shawnee Planning Commission. He took immense pride in his sons, but he may have considered his true legacy to be the stop light at 65th and Nieman Road. In his spare time John enjoyed collecting coins, pursing the perfect deviled egg, baking in the sun in the right field General Admission section at Kauffman Stadium, and harassing nurses. His friends and family will always remember his generosity of spirit, his penchant for tipping with $2 bills and his quick wit. Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. followed by memorial service at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Church of the Ascension Catholic Church, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park. In lieu of flowers and in honor of the excellent care he received, the family asks that gifts be made to The Research Foundation (theresearchfoundationkcorg.presencehost.net), which provides nursing scholarships ($2 bills optional). Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 913-451-1860, www.johnsoncountychapel.com