Archie "Jack" Conner

Archie "Jack" Conner passed away suddenly on February 27, 2005 at his home in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was born on April 17, 1920 in Kaufman, Texas to Charles and Georgia Conner. After graduating from high school in Kaufman, Jack volunteered for the U.S. Army and served in WWII. Jack spent 5 years in the European theatre where he worked as an engineer. After the war he stayed in Europe to help the Army rebuild the battle worn continent, after which he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant Major. Jack moved to New York City after WWII to attend Parsons School of Design to pursue his lifelong passion of interior design. After graduating from Parsons with honors, he began his career as a merchandiser for Lord & Taylor of New York City. While at Lord & Taylor he met his lifelong friend and business associate, William D. Pahlmann. When Bill Pahlmann founded his interior design firm, W.D. Pahlmann & Co., Jack served as his Senior Vice President. Eventually, the firm became one of the most sought after interior design firms in the country. Together Jack and Bill completed many notable projects worldwide, including the Regent Center at Texas A&M College Station and the Hong Kong Hilton Hotel. As an interior designer, Jack brought a sense of warmth and vision to every project he encountered, and he was literally one of those people who could take a series of inanimate objects, put them in a room, and make them speak to your soul. A true professional, Jack was brilliant at mixing architectural periods in his own unique style. Over the years, Jack circumvented the globe in pursuit of architectural pieces and unique manufactures, and it was on one of these many trips that he fell in love with Guadalajara, Mexico, where he eventually purchased a home. In his retirement years, he split his time between his home in San Antonio, Texas and his home in Guadalajara. Eventually, Jack spent most of his time in Guadalajara where he enjoyed the culture, quality of life, and the Mexican people. He made many dear friends in Mexico and will be severely missed. Up until his death Jack had the good fortune of a clear mind and was always on the go. He had a great sense of wit and was always the life of the party. He had a wealth of friends on both sides of the border who are truly richer for knowing him and being part of his life. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert J. Conner, his lifelong friend, Bill Pahlmann, and his dear friends, Maggie Cousins and Marge Freeman. He is survived by his sisters, Jimmy Ruth Schauer and husband Hilbert Schauer, of Parker, Colorado, and Mary Fraizer of Colorado Springs, Colorado, a niece, Molly Conner Trice and husband John Trice of Corpus Christi, Texas, and several dear friends that include Bruno Pelligrino, Johnny Hollis and Charlie Holiday. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 4:00 P.M. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Bethlehem Chapel, 125 E. Pecan St., San Antonio, Texas, the Reverend Andrew Thayer officiating.