Billy Paul Conner

Billy (Bill) Paul Conner, of Whittington, IL, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at 12:02 a.m. EST in Dayton, OH, on October 18, 2025, with the love of his life, Linda, by his side.
Bill was born on June 21, 1944, to Leo M. and Ruth E. (Mabry) Conner, who preceded him in death. He married Linda Leigh Britton on July 3, 1965.
Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Conner of Whittington; his brother, Richard (Dick) Conner (Nancy) of Pocahontas, IL; daughter, Jaquenette (Jackie) Conner Belka (Mitch) of Beavercreek, OH; and son, Shawn Paul Conner (Shelly) of Springfield, IL. He is also survived by five granddaughters: Hayley Bosley (Jim), Erin Belka (fiancé Greg Shayko), Abbey Conner, Grace Conner, and Mia Conner; along with several nieces and nephews.
Bill attended Whittington Elementary School and graduated from Benton High School. He was a lifelong Benton Rangers fan and enjoyed watching Rochester Rockets football games as well. He was also a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan and attended many games with Linda and his family.
Bill served his community and family throughout his life while growing up and living in Whittington, which he proudly called "The Garden Spot of the World." He was a former Supervisor of Ewing Township, sang bass for the Psalmaneers gospel group, was instrumental in starting and serving on the board of the Ewing Warrior Booster Club, and was either on the board or served as president of the Whittington Gun Creek Days Festival for its entire existence. A hard worker, Bill was employed by Glass Specialties and Metropolitan Insurance, worked as a union glazier for many years, and eventually co-owned Southern Illinois Glass with Jerry Frisby until retirement.
In 1976, Bill began pulling garden tractors with his son Shawn and later moved into the mini-rod class. He was a member of several tractor pulling associations across the midwest and officially retired from the sport in 2023 after winning numerous points championships. Bill enjoyed traveling with his family to tractor pulls and made countless friends along the way. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making new friends wherever he went.
Bill was most proud of his children and grandchildren and loved watching them play sports. He also enjoyed traveling with his family to places such as Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Michigan, Florida, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and more.
Visitation will be held at Whittington Church from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. A dinner for family and friends will be held following the service. Interment will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton (Dayton, OH). The family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Kettering Health Medical Center and Ohio's Hospice of Dayton for the compassionate and exceptional care they provided during Bill's brief illness. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort during a difficult time.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
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