Daniel Robert Conner, 60, of Fulton, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. He was born July 5, 1963, in Mexico, the third son of John and Marie (Cauthorn) Conner. On October 6, 2018, in Mexico, he married Leona Christine Akers.
Daniel graduated from North Callaway R-1 High School in 1981 and immediately enrolled in the University of Missouri in Columbia the next fall. He soon joined Marching Mizzou and played trumpet. After attending MU for a year, he decided to secure a Paralegal Degree during the next two years from William Woods University in Fulton.
After working for a couple of lawyers, one in Vandalia and the other in Columbia, Dan worked for Sutherlands in Fulton and then in the Walmart Deli, where he met his eventual wife, Miss Akers. He finished his working career as a Skills Tradesman Painter for the Fulton State Hospital in Fulton. He enjoyed his work and the couple soon bought a house on Cote Sans Dessein Street in Fulton. Dan soon built an extensive shop out back, and was very proud of his Prius and his John Deere mower. The two also acquired a puppy named Moe. Dan really enjoyed playing fetch with Moe and feeding him a little popcorn. He would find the biggest kernel and give it to him.
Before his paralegal training, Daniel worked on a Missouri Governor’s Political Campaign in the Mid 80’s and was also instrumental in his father’s campaign for Callaway County Commissioner, which John Conner was elected to serve a full term in the late 80’s.
Daniel’s wife, all of his family and friends, will agree that he was a great guy and wonderful husband. It was the consensus that he was a good Samaritan and lived the motto to be kind and have courage.
Dan grew up involved in 4-H and training and showing club calves at county fairs for many years. He was a member of the Mexico United Methodist Church and had performed a trumpet solo one Sunday morning. We were all so very proud of him. He soloed and also piloted a small airplane that he owned with his two brothers. The Conner Brothers sported a half-mile runway on their dad’s farm and of course, it was a great way to grow up on the family farm. The family raised crops, cattle, and had horses, with a sizable herd of Hereford and Black Angus cattle. It was a great life!
Daniel liked to go to local college theater productions and high school football games. He enjoyed restoring old things and also listening to music on his records and CDs.
Dan’s smile spoke a thousand words. He rewarded us with his outstanding courtesy every day.
Survivors include his wife, Leona Christine Conner of the home; his mother, Mrs. John M. (Iva Marie) Conner of Mexico, and his two siblings, Timothy and Michael of Auxvasse.
Daniel was preceded in death by his father, Mr. John M. Conner, with whom Dan very much enjoyed visiting with.
Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico with Rev. Eric Mattson officiating. Burial will follow in Auxvasse Cemetery.
Visitation is Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mexico United Methodist Church or the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Hatton. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson St., Mexico, Mo. 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
