Gary Connor Obituary
Gary L. Connor, age 75, of Carthage, Texas, formerly of Petersburg, Illinois. died January 16, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mr. Connor was born May 17, 1950 in Springfield, Illinois to the late Robert Lee and Margaret Sally Lee Halberstadt Connor.
Gary married Janet Rebbe in 1971 and they celebrated almost 55 years together. He had worked for Turris Coal Mine in Elkhart, Illinois, 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.
Gary served many years as a Boy Scout Leader and later 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.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Connor of Carthage, Texas; son, Dale (Wendy) Connor of Tallula Illinois; daughters, Michelle (Keith) Kinney of Athens, Illinois, and Debra Connor of Petersburg, Illinois; grandchildren, Kurt Connor, Casey Connor, Evan Richardson, and Kolbe Kinney; great grandchild, Gage Connor; brothers, Ron (Mich) Connor and Dan (PJ) Connor; sisters, Mary (Jim) Benson, Sandy (Tom) Lemon, Cheri (Jen) Gillham, Tami (Mark) Schlueter; numerous nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews; and many 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 Friday, February 6, 2026, 4:30 until 6:30 PM. After the visitation the family is inviting friends and family to join them at Connor’s Corner Pub in Tallula, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the VFW in Petersburg Illinois; American Legion in Athens, Illinois; or AMVETS in Greenview, Illinois.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
206 N Main P.O. Box 257, Athens, IL 62613
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