Robert Eugene Conner

Robert (Bob) Eugene Conner went to be with his God and Savior, Jesus Christ after a lengthy battle with cancer, on July 1, 2014. Bob was born on August 9, 1937, to Lorene Ashley Conner and R.M. Conner, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen Mathis Conner; sister Beverly Conner Niederhofer; children, Tamara (Tammy) & Roger Dixon, Barry & Rachelann Conner, Laura Conner & chosen companion, Rhonda Colson Conner; grandchildren, Michelle & Samuel Unger, Kevin & Michelle Dixon, Erin & Scot Rivera, Joshua Robert Dixon, Kailey & Ferris Tilton, Kyle Endsley; great grandchildren, Rebekah, Jacob, Michael, Gabriel & Josiah Unger, Autumn, Seth & Emma Dixon, Isabel, Katelyn & Emily Rivera, Cheyenne & Kristalyn Endsley; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and innumerable friends to miss him. Preceded in death by his parents, Lorene Ashley Conner and R.M. Conner, Jr. Born in Milam County, Bobby attended school at Milano Junction and Huntsville High School. He also attended Sam Houston State University, and earned Real Estate and Real property appraisal certifications. His education included course work at LSU and University of Minnesota. Bob worked for the United States Postal Service, was appointed Assistant Postmaster at the age of 29 and worked there for 20 years. After an early retirement, Bob & Gwen founded Conner's Real Estate and Conner's Gems and Minerals, which later became Conner's Jewelry. He was especially interested in gemstone faceting and lapidary work and even offered classes in lost wax casting, faceting, lapidary and jewelry making. When his health forced him to retire from appraising, he developed skills in watch and clock repair. Bob was a very well spoken, intelligent man with a quick wit who, despite many health challenges, lived out his life more concerned about the well-being of others than he was about himself. He adored his large family and wanted them to be together always. He cared about and did his best to stay in contact with all of his friends and extended family. His interests were broad and diverse, including a love of nature and animals, medicine and health, science, history and art. He was especially interested in southern/confederate history. He was a huge music lover with very eclectic tastes, which he passed on to his children. He was a strong believer in standing up for what was right, no matter the cost. He was a non-conformist and encouraged individuality in his children as well. He believed that the Bible was God's word and he lived by it. He believed in the sanctity of human life and was actively involved until he was physically unable. He loved his family and friends and they knew it. He truly cared about people and wanted to learn about them. He was a charter member of Second Baptist Church and greatly appreciated them and loved the frequent visits with those who came to his home when he was unable to go to church. A special thanks to the many who have prayed, brought food or just come by. Bob's Sunday school class came regularly, to have bible study, have communion or just to visit. He cherished all of his many friends who came while he was homebound to visit, play dominoes, drink coffee and just be there. With special thanks to Tony Zernicek and Melanie Holliday for being such devoted friends. Visiting with his friend and family was his greatest joy during the last year. Thanks to the staff of 1st Choice Hospice for the loving care you always gave him. A special thank you to Rosalyn for all of the kindnesses that you showed Bob and for the laughter that you two shared. You went above and beyond. If you choose to make a donation in Bob's honor, please consider two of his favorite causes. Autistic Society of America 4340 East West Hwy Sate 350 Bethesda Maryland 20814 Coalition for Life 3012 East 28th Street Bryan, TX 77802 The family will receive friends Saturday, July 5, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Services will be held Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Second Baptist Church, 2517 Sam Houston Ave in Huntsville, Texas. A reception will immediately follow the service the service at the church. Interment will Monday, July 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Liberty Cemetery in Liberty Community, Texas. Directions to Liberty Cemetery: take State Hwy 36 to past the Little River Bridge and turn left onto FM 2095. At the Hanover community turn right onto CR 3242 and go 2 miles. The sign for the cemetery is on the right. The cemetery is about 5 miles from Milano. Memorial condolences may be made to the family online at www.shmfh.com.

Robert Eugene Conner

August 9, 1937 - July 6, 2014