Obituary of Thomas Junior Connor
Thomas J. Connor was born in Harrogate, Tennessee on October 15, 1927. He was the youngest of eleven children born from the union of Thomas F. Connor and Allie (Dixon) Connor. He was a 1946 graduate of Forge Ridge High School. He served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from September of 1950 to September of 1952. He was stationed at Fort Ord, California and worked with the California Troop Movement Supervisor.
Tom married the former Jewel Welch in Monroe on December 20, 1952. The couple were blessed with four children. Tom provided for his family as the owner and operator of the Connor Insurance Agency located at 621 South Monroe Street for twenty-six years. He retired in 1987.
A devout man of faith, Tom was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. He confidently and prayerfully served as a Bible Study Teacher for fifty-six years teaching generations the good news of Christ. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 70 years.
Tom enjoyed reading and traveling. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting pheasants (his first love) and deer even at the age of 91. He hunted Canada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Michigan. He also loved to fish.
Thomas J. Connor, age 96 of Monroe passed from this life to his Heavenly home on Saturday; June 8, 2024. His parents preceded his passing; wife: Jewel in 2017; an infant son: Timothy Scott Connor; and ten siblings: Doyle Connor, Marcille Giles, Leslie Connor, Hubert Connor, John Toney Connor, Roy Connor, Mamie Wheeler, Verna Skidmore, Leona Crigger, and an infant brother.
To cherish his memory, he leaves three beloved daughters: Brenda (Terry) Connor-Delaney of Parker, Colorado, Judy (Dwight) Huffman of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, and Janie (Ron) Fleischman of Hideaway, Texas; four grandchildren: Amber (Peter) Ku, Ashley (Tim) Jakel, Brandon Fleischman, and Brittney Fleischman; and six great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Ku, Joshua Ku, David Ku, Ryker Jakel, Sterling Seland, and Nolan Seland.
Friends may gather from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Thursday; June 13, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. He will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Friday; June 14, 2024, at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church; 14260 South Dixie Highway. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am with Pastor Roy Southerland, Pastor Dwight Huffman, his son-in-law, and Pastor Tim Iocoangeli officiating. A procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.