Donald Dean Conner
Donald Dean Conner, age 86 known as “Uncle Don” to his friends and neighbors, residing in Roanoke, Va. went to be with our lord and savior and longtime companion, Lorraine Janney Hodges after many years of struggling with Post Polio Syndrome & COPD, on July 25, 2024 with his family by his side.
Donald was born (at home) on December 24, 1937 to parents, Beulah Myrtle Howell and Daniel Riley Conner in Copper Hill, Va.
Don missed a great deal of his formal education being in the hospital due to polio so most of his education was at the “school of hard knocks” But with the help of family and his motivation to land a job at Navelli Cadillac & Oldsmobile he became one of the best Auto Paint Technicians in Rome, NY. He also painted detailed work on motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats and city trucks on the side.
Don loved to hunt, fish, tell stories and little ditties that made us all laugh but never forget! He never stopped amazing us with his survival skills and declaring to follow Jesus Christ. It warmed our hearts to see him light up when he talked about his lessons with his grandson Dustin, as he prepared for baptism, the last six months. He was baptized on July 10th at 86yo by Father Kevin Segerblom from the Basilica of St. Andrew church.
Don is preceded in death by his sister Betty Kotary, his son Donald Dean Conner Jr. (Donny), his grandson Johnathon Conner, and son-in-laws, James Denny and Paul Jordan.
Don is survived by his best friend & neighbor Clark Dent, he considered his brother. His sister Sue Sestito of Rome, NY, his daughters Amber Denny of Roanoke, Va, Kelly Conner and Steve Zambel of Beaumont Ca, Peggy Jordan of Rocky Mount, Va, his step children in NY he loved as much as his own, Duane, John, Tim, Dyan and Scott Fleming & Danny Russell, who will always have a special place in their hearts for him.
His loving grandchildren, Dustin and Rachel Denny, Christa and David O’Quinn, Lacy and Justin Woodrow, Paul Jordan II, Paula Jordan. His nine loving great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
He will be missed and remembered by all! ♥️
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local homeless shelters.
A funeral mass will be held at the Basilica of St. Andrew Church on August 14, 2024 at noon. His burial service for family & close friends will be held on September 27, 2024 at 11am followed by a picnic to celebrate his life in his favorite spot.
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