Obituary of Robert E. Connor

Robert "Bob" Connor, 83, passed peacefully surrounded by family the afternoon of October 11, 2016 after a long, joyful and rich life. Bob was born May 30, 1933 in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in Kansas and Oklahoma before joining the United States Navy where he served in the Korean War. He went on to graduate from Arizona State University then taught high school biology briefly. In 1964 he found his career calling as a District Manager with Farmers Insurance and moved to Illinois where he spent 40 years building a successful business, and more importantly a wealth of friends and colleagues who loved and respected him. Bob loved adventure! He was a pilot, boat captain, avid skier, want-to-be golfer, and hopeful blackjack player. He sought out fun in life in everything he did. Known for his perpetual smile, good humor, and kindness his spirit left an indelible mark on all that met him. A true animal lover, he loved his "pup" Tootsie who was his most faithful companion. Besides his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Nancy Connor, whom he married on St. Patrick's day in Hawaii, Bob is survived by his son Dirk (Grace) Connor, daughter Dara Connor, daughter Catherine (Joseph) Koenig, son Justin (Julie) Parnell, daughter Kellien (Gerald Nestor) Bailey, sister Betty Vesper, 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and long-time friend Jerry Albert. He was preceded in death by his mother Alma Edmunds, father John "Jack" Connor, father-in-law Ferris Bales, mother-in-law Frances Bales, and brother-in-law Robert "Dink" Vesper. Please join us in celebrating Bob's life! Funeral Services for Robert "Bob" Connor will be on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 2 until 7 p.m. For additional information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.