Willard Conner

Willard Conner of Shawnee, OK passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Willard was born on August 16, 1932, in Silver Lake, KS, to Elmont Owen Conner and Susie Ann (Jeffries) Conner. He attended high school in New Lima, OK. He and his twin brother, Millard, joined the United States Air Force in 1949, where Willard served 20 years as a USAF Fire Protection specialist before retiring. After his military retirement, Willard worked for 26 more years in civil service at Tinker Air Force Base.

Willard was an avid and excellent gamer with a competitive streak. He spent countless hours playing dominoes, cards, and other games with his siblings, children, and grandchildren. His favorite games included moon, chicken foot, and bowling. Willard bowled in leagues for many decades and once bowled a near-perfect 299. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast and rode as often as possible well into his 80s. Willard was also an excellent cook responsible for many delicious family meals.

He was preceded in death by his late wife and mother of his children, Betty Jo (Cobern) Conner, his parents, Elmont and Susie Conner, his three brothers, Lee Roy, Bob Paul, and Jack Conner, and his sister, Maxine Lozier.

Survivors include his wife: Corinne Conner of the home; Children: Tina and Rick Butner of Wewoka, OK, Diane Wilson of Seminole, OK, Kelly and Steve Huff of Holdenville, OK; Step-Children: Kelly and Mark Martin of Waxahachie, TX, Tracy and Brad Devereaux of Meeker, OK, Chris and Jessica Gabeau of Meeker, OK, Amy and O.J. Price of Shawnee, OK; Siblings: twin brother Millard and Betty Conner of Churchville, MD, Janet and Bob Hill of Baltimore, MD; Grandchildren: Darrick Conner of Seminole, OK, Rhett and Kathleen Butner of Oklahoma City, OK, Brooke Butner and John Michael Seeber of La Cañada, CA, Blaine and Jessica Butner of Wewoka, OK, Kristin Butner of Glendale, CA, Sawyer and Faith Huff of Holdenville, OK, Stevi Huff of Holdenville, OK; Step-Grandchildren: Shelby and Heath Parker of NC, Major Martin of Waxahachie, TX, Hunter and Kylee Park of Tahlequah, OK, Kristin Park of Oklahoma City, OK, Legend Devereaux of Meeker, OK, Brooklynne Price of San Antonio, TX, Annaliese Price of Shawnee, OK,MadisonGabeau of Meeker, OK, Emmerson Gabeau, of Meeker, OK; Great-Grandchildren: Alma, Sophie, and Eleanor Butner of Oklahoma City, OK; Beckett and Wallace Seeber of La Cañada, CA, and Killian and Rooney Butner of Wewoka, OK, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Celebration of life services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on September 13, 2023, at Walker Funeral Chapel in Shawnee, OK.