Michael Jennings Conner
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A Celebration of Life Service for Michael Jennings Conner, 73, Lawrence KS, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Maple Hill Cemetery in Kirksville, Missouri. He passed away Friday, September 21, 2018 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Michael was born May 13, 1945 in Greentop, Missouri. At the age of 10 days he was adopted by Dewey Sterling and Vera Eldora (Steele) Conner. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served from 1966 until his Honorable Discharge in 1972. He was a 1963 graduate of Kirksville, Mo High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Arts at Truman State University formally NE Missouri State University. Michael was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. He was a charter member of Delta Omicron Mu. He was Director of Special Education in Garden City and Eureka KS for 14 years. Michael J. Conner M.A. LUTCF was both a District Manager and agent for Farmers Insurance Group from 1986 until his passing. Michael received numerous awards during his career such as: Agent of the Year, Top Life Agent, Premier Agent Award, Toppers Club, Life Masters, Commercial Select Agent, President LAIFA, President General Agent and Managers Association (G.A.M.A.), Farmers Forum – Top 50 US Qualifier and Top Life Premium – District 04-03. He was President of G.A.M.A. 1990-1996 and President of N.A.I.F.A. from 2004-2005. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shrine.
He married Patricia Garrett on March 11, 1978 in Garden City, KS. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include their children, Sean Conner (Karen) Lawrence, KS, Rachelle Nuessner (Mark) Rogers, Arkansas, Debra Puga (Belen) Wichita, KS, Steven Alpers, Aventura, FL, Larry Alpers, Dallas, TX, Rebecca Shehadi (David Sr.), Dorset, Vermont; 18 grandchildren, Reilly, Kamryn, Tyler, Paige, Jared, Morgan, Evan, Corey, Joshua, Sarah, Nina, David Jr., Joe, Michael, Lisa, Daniel, Christine, Marcus, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Vera Conner and uncles, Earl, John and Jennings Conner.
Michael was an avid KU fan, having season football tickets for over 30 years.
Michael was an organ donor and will be able to enhance the lives of many people including the gift of sight.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Shriners Childrens Hospital, or to a charity of the donor’s choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post condolences go to warrenmcelwain.com.
Pat,
There are no words for me to say that will describe how truly sorry I am for your loss. I was blessed to have been able to spend over 2 years getting to know you both and working for you. I knew how much you both loved each other as it showed everyday. I also knew how much of a big kid Mike was and how huge his heart was. I am blessed that he (and you) have been a part of my life as well as my families lives. He was a such a great man and an extraordinary human being. Many prayers for you and your children during this difficult time. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to let me know. Lots of hugs.
Dear Pat, words cannot express our deepest heartfelt sympathy. Jim and I are shocked. I am so sorry. We loved Mike. I feel like you both have been part of our family all these years. Praying for peace and comfort during the difficult time. All our love, Jim and Traci Wilson
Pat ,Rochelle and family, We are so sorry you have to go through all this pain. Just remember, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P Micheal Conner
Prayers Always
Terry and Donna Heckart
Kenneth R. Hipp:
Pat, I was very sorry to hear that Mike has left us. I considered him to be a good friend and the one who helped me to learn and succeed in the insurance profession. Peggy and I will keep you and the family in our prayers. May God keep you all during this time and help you through this difficult time.
Mike Mike Mike…
You are sorely missed! I truly couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. I was just talking to you Thursday, right after Pat dropped you off at J&S.
In the span of a lifetime, my family had only just met Mike. I saw him every weekday morning. Sitting in the same chair, at the same table, with the same coffee and water. Reading books. Talking to everyone. Saying good morning to all who entered. With that contagious grin. Our 13yo daughter said it best, about a year ago when Mike wasn’t there one day: “It’s not the same without Mike”. She went on to say “You know it’s going to be a good day when you get to see Mike”.
That sums up a lot of who Mike was.
Mike you touched so many people. You truly connected with everyone. That’s beyond a skill. You genuinely cared about all those you met.
You always made me laugh the Many times you’d say or whisper to me, as I was leaving for work: “Illegitimi non carborundum”. It always made me laugh. Thank you for that.
Your love for Pat and for your family was obvious and palpable.
To Pat and family: We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and a huge hug from the Miltz Family.
(Eric, Sherry and Emma)
Mike was my coffee buddy. I could always depend on his hug and positive words. He always had the right words and encouragement when I was looking for employment. I am in disbelief that he will not be in “his” spot. He will be greatly missed, I truly adored this man! I know he had a VIP Pass to heaven!! I will miss him so much! My thoughts and prayers to his much loved family, I heard so much about all of you.
I never met Mike in person, but spoke with him many times through our work for Farmers Insurance. I always enjoyed our conversations, often going from work to personal chit chat, and appreciated not only his professional knowledge, but his friendliness, humor and kindness. I am very shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, and offer my deepest sympathies. Rest in peace Mike.
Mike will be deeply missed by the Farmers Family. As an underwriter for Farmers I worked with Mike regularly. It was always a pleasure to speak with him and work with him over the last few years. I traveled to KS and MO this week to host meetings for agents and only learned of Mike’s passing at that time. It looks like it was not part of God’s plan for us to meet in person. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Grosdidier
September 26 at 7:59 PM ·
They say people come into our lives when we need them most. I usually do not look at the obituaries but it actually popped up today. Mike was my coffee buddy, that is how we met. I could always depend on him for a great hug and a positive message that began my day right. When I was going through an awful work situation, Mike was there to listen and give me great advice. He assured me he would help me if I decided to walk away, we had so many conversations about what I should do. I ended up walking away with his support and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I learned about his wonderful family whom I have never met. We shared so may stories and daily life. I want to thank my friend Mike for being a bright shining angel on earth! I need to work to strive and be a better “Mike Conner”, there are not enough people like him.
Dear Pat and family,
I can’t even imagine how you’re feeling right now. Please know that you’re not alone….Mike, aka Mr.President will always be in our hearts and minds. You and Mike were and will continue to be my guiding light. Mikes teachings, his love and coaching will always be with me and anyone that had the honor of meeting him. He was an angel for many, me included, on earth and will continue his angel duties in heaven. May all his sweet memories bring you and the entire family solace during this tough time. Praying for strength and peace!!
Love love love this man and his beautiful wife. Miss him already.
There aren’t words to express how we feel about the loss of Mike. He was such a happy person and we enjoyed being with him and Pat whenever possible
Mark married into a great family and we considered them as ours also. He loved Mike so much .
Prayers to the family
The loss of Mike has left a void in my life. His willingness to share a Faith journey with anyone he met stands as a testimate to discipleship. His patriotism and love of family radiated for all to experience. I’m blessed to have known him
Dear Pat,
Total disbelief was my immediate reaction to your loss of Mike. He always looked like the picture of health when I saw him at FPC.
My heart goes out to you as I think of the shock you have endured. I can’t imagine your initial panic when he fell ill.
My prayers are for you as you cope with this tragedy.
Love,
Mary Gordon
Pat: Barb and I couldn’t make the service Saturday, I can tell that I looked up to Mike as a Mentor and a freind. I’m sure it is hard times for you but I’m sure you also know Mike was respected, and loved by many.
Our condolences Mick and Barb Leeper