James W. Conlee

James W. Conlee, originally of Elizabeth, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, reaching the age of 88. Born on August 22, 1935, to James O. Conlee and Mary J. Conlee of Elizabeth, Indiana.
James W. was a Youth Minister, Sunday School Teacher, and Layman at Bethesda UMC for many years until God called him to preach at Old Union Church.
James and his wife Lillian had a great love for children and watching them grow in the Lord. They later joined the New Salisbury Full Gospel Church, where James was Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years. James
W. proudly served in the US Marine Corps. He was stationed in Okinawa Japan, Quantico Virginia, and Washington DC. He was honored to have marched in the Inaugural Parade for John F. Kennedy. He was a Corporal E4 and received several medals, including Sharpshooter and Expert Marksman. James also worked for Ford Motor Company KTP in Louisville KY and retired after 31 years. James was an avid collector of vintage jars and glassware and a masterful gardener who took pride in his yard, his flowers, and growing vegetables. He also came from generations of Strawberry Farmers and enjoyed watching them grow.
He also enjoyed fishing with his Sons-In-Law.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Lillian M. (Divine) Conlee, of 65 years. They were a true inspiration for what marriage and commitment truly meant. They loved each other dearly.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Helen Smith, Son-In-Law, Fred Brown, and Brother-In-Law, Leo Tuell. He is survived by his three daughters, Donna Dyer (Roger), Kathy Lyons (Dennis), and Brenda Brown. Six Grandchildren, Matthew Dyer (Priscilla), Andrew Fink (Janine), Adam Michael Fink (Jessica), Amanda Scott (Patrick), Johnathan Eve (Christy), and Sarah Eve (Josh). Eleven Great Grandchildren, April, Ariel, Aiden, Ethan, Ashlyn, Alyssa, Matthew, Jeremiah, Avery, Alayna, and Hayden. Two Sisters, Linda Pierson (Earl) and Jean Tuell, and one Brother-In-Law, Donald Smith, along with many family members and dear friends. The most important thing our dad wanted was the assurance of his family being together in Heaven. He said he would be waiting at the gate for each one.
Funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Gehlbach and Royse Funeral Home (318 East Chestnut Street, Corydon, Indiana 47112).
Visitation will be from 12 PM until 8 PM on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and again on Wednesday from 10 AM until service time of 2 PM at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Bethesda Cemetery in Elizabeth, Indiana.