William Bradford "Brad" Connor

William Bradford "Brad" Connor obituary, Raytown, MO

William Bradford "Brad" Connor

William Connor Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Heartland Cremation & Burial Society - Greater Kansas City, Missouri - Rayt on Feb. 17, 2025.

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William Bradford "Brad" Connor, died February 13, 2025 at his home in Tebbetts, Missouri. He had just celebrated his 88th birthday.
Brad was born on February 8, 1937 in Newtonville, Massachusetts. His parents were Cornelius Clement Connor and Carolyn Sarah McClellan.
Brad Graduated from Boston University in 1959 with a major in Latin and Greek and a minor in teaching. In 1960 he earned a Masters in Teaching from Harvard University. He taught Latin, Greek, classical history, archaeology and mythology at William Jewell College from 1965 to 1971. He worked at Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence from 1971 to 1973. He was hired by the Missouri Department of Insurance in 1973 to develop sampling methods for market conduct exams and participated in exams until 1977 when he was promoted to Supervisor of the Statistics Section. He was subsequently promoted to Chief Examiner and Division Director of Market Regulation. Brad was a co-founder of the Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society. He also was a founder of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City.
Brad is remembered for his love of learning, his sense of humor, commitment to social justice, his openness to new experiences, a love of travel, and his generosity.
Brad is survived by his wife, Katherine Hanson Connor, his first wife and good friend, Lauraine Connelly, and their children: Gennifer Monteer (Danny Monteer), Randy Connor, and Kimberly Connor (Tim Swinfard). Also surviving are five grandchildren and one great grandchild: Sarah Worley (Cole Worley), their son, Connor Worley, Matthew Colen (Brooke Colen), Emily Harlow (Thomas Harlow), Samantha Swinfard and Camryn Swinfard. One sibling, Virginia Wallack also survives. Other survivors include his rescue dogs, Abby, Aspen, and Buddy.
A celebration of life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City, 1021 Northeast Drive, on Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00 am to noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Brad's name to Building Community Bridges, 213 E. Ash Street, Jefferson City, or to Missouri Sierra Club, 7164 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63143.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign William Connor's Guest Book

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February 19, 2025

Donald Belanger posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2025

Doug Freeman posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2025

Rayna Rice posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Donald Belanger

February 19, 2025

I am also a member of IRES going back to a year or two after Brad cofounded IRES. Brad was always looked up to and respected. His advice and knowledge were sought after by many members in and out of IRES including me. He was always ready to help others and did so on many occasions. He was a gentlemen's gentleman. Rest in peace my friend. Don Belanger, NHID.

Doug Freeman

February 18, 2025

2/18/2025: Dear Connor Family, My wife Rochelle and I are so sorry for your loss. I first met Brad when I started my Market Regulation stint with the Missouri Department of Insurance in 1995. As I grew in my career to be eventually one of the Life & Health Market Conduct Examiners-In-Charge (EIC) and national Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society (IRES) Presidents, my admiration and appreciation for the opportunities Brad provided for so many of us was more deeply appreciated. I feel extremely fortunate to have benefitted as a Missourian and an Examiner from the path Brad helped create and nuture for us across Missouri and the U.S. With sympathy and respect, Doug Freeman.

Rayna Rice

February 18, 2025

So sorry to hear of his passing, I worked with him several years ago, always a nice guy.

Diane Springs

February 18, 2025

I´m so sorry about this Kathy! The world just lost a kind hearted soul with the sweetest smile ever! When I remember Brad, it´s always with that smile on his face! I worked with him 13 years and in that time I never heard him say an unkind word about anybody!! I bet he was a wonderful grandfather!! Please take heart that this is not the end! You´ll be with him again and he will never be far away. He will be right there in your heart for now! Much love...

Diane Springs
(MDI)

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Sign William Connor's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 19, 2025

Donald Belanger posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2025

Doug Freeman posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2025

Rayna Rice posted to the memorial.