Norman Leroy Conner, age 81, of Plattsburg, MO passed away unexpectedly at Mosaic in St. Joseph, MO on Sunday, November 10, 2024. We wish to thank Mosaic for the care shown to us in the ER. Though our hearts ache, we know he is at peace.
Leroy was born to Norman William and Kathleen Elizabeth (Keller) Conner on September 25, 1943. They both preceded him in death. He was raised in Easton, MO and graduated from Easton High School in 1961. He attended junior college and was in the Army National Guard and Lions Club as a young adult.
He married Janet Ruth (Rehm) on April 21, 1967 in Craig, MO and they were married over 56 years before she passed on December 26, 2023. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at the Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities throughout the years.
Leroy was a caring dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. He is best known for his sense of humor, humble helpfulness, and strong work ethic. We were blessed by his lessons and will cherish many fond memories!
He supported his family by working in the grain milling industry where he became assistant manager for Krause Milling in St. Joseph. He moved his growing family from Easton to St. Joseph in 1974 so the girls could attend school in the Savannah District. In 1978, the arrival of their son completed the family. He could be found coaching sports or leading scouts in his free time. When his company sold to ADM, he moved to Plainview, Texas for 5 years where Chris attended high school. He would relocate to the Martha Gooch plant in Lincoln, NE and retire at 62 years old after having heart surgery. He and Janet then moved to Lake Concord in retirement and enjoyed the grandkids and many celebrations at their home in Plattsburg. He became very involved with the Senior Center, fishing in his backyard, and enjoyed Bingo twice a week.
Family time involved camping, playing cards, celebrations, cookouts, fishing, hunting, square dancing, traveling, etc. He has been to all 50 states, several other countries, and on 10 cruises with Janet, including the entire family to the Hawaiian Islands.
He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Arnold and Melinda (Knoche) Rehm; brother-in-law, Ron Rehm; brother-in-law, Willis Deering; uncles, James ‘Bud’ Keller and Robert ‘Bob’ Keller. He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Shawna and Mark Macrander of St. Joseph and their children- Josiah, Delaney, Cassidy, and Kelsey Macrander; Angie Conner of Plattsburg and her sons- Conner and Devon Wilcox; and Chris Conner of St. Joseph and his daughters- Brooke and Teagan Conner. He is also survived by his brother, Darell and wife Sylvia Conner of Plattsburg; sister-in-law Carol and husband Billy Paul Sharp of Mound City, MO; brother-in-law, Ken and wife Barb Rehm of Florida; sister-in-law Lois Deering of Fillmore; sister-in-law Janice Rehm of Easton; and brother-in-law Bill and wife Connie Rehm of Savannah. He also leaves behind his Aunts-Betty Sue Keller of Easton and Delores Keller of St. Joseph; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be sent to the Senior Center of Plattsburg. The family will hold visitation on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Heaton Bowman Smith Sidenfaden Funeral Home on Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph, MO. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date.
