Gary Connor Obituary
Mr. Connor was born May 17, 1950 in Springfield, Illinois to the late Robert Lee and Margaret Sally Lee Halberstadt Connor and died January 16, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. Gary married Janet Rebbe in 1971 and they celebrated almost 55 years together. He had worked for Turris Coal mine in Elkart, Ill., Truck driver for many years and ended his working career owning C-Me locksmith company.
He was raised around the Athens and Petersburg, Illinois. area and served his country with the United States Marine Corps, from 1968 until 1972, serving 18 months in Vietnam. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, member of VFW and American Legion in Illinois and Texas, Amvets in Illinois, Honor guard member for various Veterans association and member of the Locksmith Association and served many years as a Boy scout leader.
Gary is preceded in death by parents.
He is survived by his wife Janet Connor of Carthage; son Dale Connor and wife Wendy of Tallula Ill; daughters, Michelle and husband Keith Kinney of Athens, Ill. and Debra Connor of Petersburg; grandchildren, Kurt Connor, Casey Connor, Evan Richardson, and Kolbe Kinney and great grandchild, Gage Connor; brothers, Ron Connor and wife Mich, Dan Connor and wife P.J., sisters, Mary Benson and husband Jim, Sandy Lemon and husband Tom, Cheri Gillham and wife Jen, Tami Schlueter and husband Mark; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and a host of friends.
Burial for Gary will on February 6, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield Illinois with Military Honors. A visitation will be at Mott & Henning Funeral Home In Athens, Illinois on February 6, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers make memorial donations to the VFW, Petersburg Illinois; American Legion, Athens, Illinois; Amvets, Greenview, Illinois; Or VFW or American Legion, Carthage, Texas.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to Hawthorn Funeral Home, Carthage, Texas. An online guestbook may be signed at: www.hawthornfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
ronald wesley
January 23, 2026
sorry for your loss new Gary Janet for many years will be missed.
Bob Pinkston
January 22, 2026
I consider myself very fortunate to have been friends with Gary and his family. I worked alongside Gary at the mine for years and his outstanding work ethic and dependability inspired others to do there best. Gary was one of the most respected persons at the mine. It has been an honor for me to have been his friend.
Jimmie Bigley
January 21, 2026
I´m sad to hear this Gary was a great guy. I worked with him at the coal mine. God got a really good person. My thoughts and prayers are for all of his family members.
Mary Benson
January 21, 2026
I have the privilege to be the oldest of 7 siblings and I love them all dearly. So thankful for the years with them and their families. Gary´s absence leaves a big hole in my heart.
Gary and Janet have been amazing examples to all of being loving, caring, giving, and strong examples of how we should live with integrity and accountability. By their example they have raised three loving, caring, selfless children, and their grandchildren who like them don´t know a stranger and extent love to all.
Janet is like a sister and we pray that God will continue to guide, comfort, and bless her and each of our family members.
Your loving sister,
Mary
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Carol n Chick Huntowski
January 21, 2026
May god hold you in his Arms. Rest in peace
Mike Carter
January 20, 2026
Gary was a fellow member of Menard County Honor Guard, a great friend and a great person. He will be missed by us all. Rest in Peace, Brother.
Ada Powell
January 20, 2026
Janet,I just now heard from Stacey, that Gary had passed away. My heart is aching for you my dear friend. May God wrap you in his loving arms as you go through this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
307 West Wellington Street P.O. Box 188, Carthage, TX 75633
Make a Donation
in Gary Connor's name
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Connor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
