Floyd Conner

Floyd Henry “Fat Boy” Conner, age 92, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, early Wednesday, February 26, 2025, while in the care of Ohio’s Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia. 

Born in Lake City, Kansas on December 20, 1932, Floyd was a son of the late Joseph and Flossie Carpenter Conner. 

After his graduation from high school, Floyd honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a successful business owner having owned and operated Bulldog Drilling for many years prior to changing careers to become an over the road truck driver. He spent many decades in his truck and had the opportunity to travel to every state in the Continental U.S. during his time on the road.  

In December of 1994 he married his wife, Deanne and together the couple not only traveled the country but enjoyed dancing to country music and shooting pool. When not on the road, Floyd loved watching Classic Western movies, reading Louis L'Amour books, fishing, bird watching, mowing, and collecting guns. His biggest passion however, was working on his antique tractors, especially his Oliver, and attending and participating in tractor pulls right up until last year.  

He is survived by his children, Jeff Conner of Oklahoma; Michelle “Chelle” Henley of Bolivar, John E. (Raina) Doby, Sr. of Newark, Tom (Kristy) Rauch of Dennison, and Jason Rauch and Kate of Canton; his granddaughters, Christy (Steve) Jackson and Kelly Yeagley as well as numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Floyd was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 30 years, Deanne on July 26, 2023; a daughter, Robin Conner; a son, Monte Conner; a daughter-in-law, Katie Rauch; three sisters and an infant brother. 

The family will greet guests on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 2:30 – 3:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Steve Jackson will lead a celebration of Floyd’s life in the funeral home’s chapel starting at 3:30 PM. Burial will follow in the Stone Creek Cemetery. 

The family requests instead of floral tributes, donations be directed to Ohio’s Hospice Foundation, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.