Harold Dean Conner

Harold Dean Conner, son of the late Arlie T. and Pearl (Middleton) Conner, was born August 22, 1918 in West Terre Haute, Indiana where he grew up and attended school. In August of 1942 at the age of 24, Harold entered the United States Navy and served his country faithful until October 1945 when he was honorably discharged. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, American Area Ribbon, and an Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with two Bronze Stars. He attained the rank of Seaman First Class. In 1939, Harold married Hazel Bell Storey and they divorced in 1957. On January 11, 1958, Harold was united in marriage to Donna Lee Church in St. Louis, Missouri. They shared over 36 years of marriage together before Donna preceded him in death on October 31, 1994. On November 25, 1995, Harold was reunited in marriage to Hazel Bell (Storey) Laxton and they shared over 13 years of marriage together before she preceded him in death on January 11, 2009. Harold worked for the New York Central Railroad for 25 years as a railroad car repairman. After leaving the railroad, he began working for American Car and Foundry and retired in 1983 after 19 years of employment. He and his family moved to the Waynesville/St. Robert area and began working for Sellars-Sexton Ford dealership. In his spare time, Harold enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting or fishing. He also liked to watch sports. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Harold passed away the evening of Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in the Presbyterian Manor of Farmington, Missouri at the age of 90 years, 8 months and 7 days. Harold leaves to cherish his memory four children: Delores Lontok of Virginia Beach, VA, Garold Conner of Fenton, MO, Arlie Conner of Kokomo, IN and Brenda Pulley of Centerville, MO; two sisters: Thelma Booker of Terre Haute, IN and Marjorie Williams of Riverside, CA; 16 grandchildren; several great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wives, Harold was preceded in death by two brothers: Jack and Kenneth Conner; and one great grandchild: Kenny Storey. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 4, 2009 in the Memorial Chapels of Waynesville/St. Robert with Rev. Richard Breeden officiating. The songs “Peace in the Valley” and “In the Sweet By and By” were played. Serving as escorts were Jeremy Pulley, Shane Conner, Tyler Wisdom, Quintin Conner, Rollin Wisdom and Chris Young. Burial with military honors followed in the Ozark Memorial VFW Post #3176 Cemetery of St. Robert, Missouri. Military honors were provided by the United States Navy of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and the Missouri Honors Team. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Harold Conner to the Ozark Memorial VFW #3176 Cemetery or the American Diabetes Association and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Harold Dean Conner

August 22, 1918 - April 29, 2009