RUSSELL L. CONNER

Russell L. Conner, 73, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly Dec. 23, 2009. Russ was born on October 31, 1936 in Green City, MO to Louis and Ethel Conner. He grew up in the Green City area, graduating from Green City High School and attending Northwest Missouri State before joining the U S Army in 1958. He proudly served overseas for six years prior to being honorably discharged. He returned home where he met his wife Nancy. Russ and Nancy were married November 29, 1969, and recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They made their home in Lenexa, KS, until 2005 when they relocated to Shawnee, KS. Russ owned Conner Trucking, Roy's Pallet Service, and Custom Caterers throughout his career. In recent years, he remained involved with intermodal trucking. Russ loved sports, and he was always a faithful fan of the KC Royals, Chiefs and the KSU Wildcats. He passed on his love of sports to his children through the many hours of catch in the backyard. Russ enjoyed the beauty of nature, and he loved vacationing in the mountains of Colorado. Most of all, Russ loved spending time with his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa. Russ is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Shawnee, KS; daughters and son-in-laws Michelle and Mark Coyne, Susan and Josh Ratliff, and Victoria and Daniel Nibarger; son Patrick Conner; and granddaughters Madison, Mackenzie, and Elsa. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 12800 W. 75th St. Shawnee, KS 66216. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Russ Conner Memorial Education Fund, 7414 Albervan, Shawnee, Kansas 66216. (Arr. Charter Funerals 816.921.5555.)