RALPH DOUGLAS "DOUG" CONNOR

   BAYTOWN - Ralph Douglas "Doug" Connor, age 61, passed away at his home with his loving family at his side, on Sept. 27, 2010, after a three year courageous battle with cancer.
   Doug was born in Shiner on May 6, 1949 to his wonderful parents, Ernest Lester "EL" and Viola Broz Connor. He grew up in Woodsboro and Refugio. Doug was employed in the oil business for over 40 years. He was the purchasing manager for many oil rigs overseas and in the USA. He recently retired form his job at Magnum Transcontinental Corp. of Rio De Janeiro. His passions were his family and his horses. He was a loving husband and dad. His role as grandfather to his two grandsons was one of his proudest accomplishments. He raised paint horses and could be found on his off time with them. His tender care showed in the brilliance of their coats and attitudes. Doug never met a stranger. Many weekends he would spend visiting with locals and talking to them. He always gave a helping hand to those in need, which included animals. He never passed up a lost hungry animal without bringing it home to give it a chance to have a decent life. Doug will forever be missed and in our hearts.
   Doug graduated from Refugio High School. His passions for playing baseball in school took him far in his life. He was noticed by a major league baseball team and was drafted and became a player for the New York Mets. His position on the team was short stop and catcher. Doug's baseball talent made him a shining star for the team. Two years into his time with the New York Mets, a knee injury forced him to retire. His time with the Mets was very special to him.
   Doug attended Blinn and Victoria College. It was at Victoria College where he met his future wife. Doug was married to his soul mate, Lisa Lynch, on May 16, 1969 at First United Methodist Church in Victoria. Theirs has been a love story for 41 years.
   Surviving Doug are his wife, Lisa Lynch Connor; children, Stacy Lyn Connor and Ryan Douglas Connor; grandsons, Blake and Nicholas Holder; mother, Viola Broz Connor; sister, Patricia "Pat" Ann Roberts; brother-in-law and wife, Kenneth and Betty Lynch; sister-in-law and husband, Patty and Chuck Doyle; sister-in-law and husband, Bettie and Gary Wood; and numerous extended family including cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as a large number of friends who loved him dearly.
Doug was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Lester "EL" Connor.
   A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, at Moore Funeral Home in Refugio.
   Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. today, Oct. 1, 2010, at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Refugio. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Refugio.
   Pallbearers: Shannon Nickle, Ryan Connor, Gary Wood, Buddy Billups, Butch Slaughter, Wayne Cockroft, and Jimmy Cockroft.
   Moore Funeral Home, Refugio, 361-526-4334.