James Curtis Conner

James "Curtis" Conner,83, passed away Monday, April 28, 2014 in Wichita Falls, Texas

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, May 2, 2014 in the Garden of Peace at Crestview Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 in the evening on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home.

Curtis was born June 9, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas, moving to Wichita Falls shortly after. He was a graduate of Wichita Falls High School, where he was on the 1945- 1948 Coyote Football team under coaches Joe Golden and Hunter Kirkpatrick and earned all state honors as guard. He was a Navy Veteran serving in the Korean War 1950-1954
Curtis married the love of his life, Olivia "Ann" Holt in 1955.
He owned and operated several small businesses throughout his life. He and partner Ben Woody founded Kiddyland/Funland Park in 1959. He owned Ye Old Wine Cellar, Curtis's One Stop in Archer City and multiple convenience stores before retirement.
Curtis was on the 1970 committee that started the Sport Soccer in Wichita Falls. He loved coaching all sports and was very active with the Boys and Girls Clubs. Many players he coached over the years will never forget the "Old Blue Van" experiences. He would pick up the players for practice and games (only the players remember Fillmore Hill ride.) He loved fishing and traveling with Ann and his grand children in their Motor Home. Every year Jared and Wesley toured the country with Grand mommy and Grand daddy. He was a supportive parent and Grand parent in both his children's and grand children's lives, was a Father figure to Jared and Wesley and never missed a practice or ball game. He also had a special place in his heart for his four legged companions. Curtis loved to cook and was a member of the Mavericks, Eagles, American Legion and VFW.
He lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger, loved to talk and laugh and loved his family and friends. His compassion and giving soul will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by mother Pearl Conner in 1993, son David in 1960.

He is survived by his loving wife Ann, daughter Dana Peterson and husband Jeff, son Dean, grandchildren Jared Vinson and fiancée Jenna Weynand, Wesley Vinson and fiancée Courtnie Lichenstein and his furry companion Rudy.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses of Hospice of Wichita Falls and for those desiring the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310.

Please visit www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com to post messages of condolence to the Conner family.