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Mar 17th, 1932 - Jun 27th, 2023Funeral Ceremony: 1 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery, Flora
Visitation: 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home
John Dowe “Badeye” Conner Sr., age 91, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday night, June 27, 2023, at Flora Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.
He was born March 17, 1932, in Clay City, the son of Everett and Nica (Luke) Conner. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Behnke on June 2, 1962, in Flora, and together they have shared 61 wedding anniversaries.
John proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He had worked for Dick Shaffer Oil and later owned and operated his own oil tank painting business. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique kerosene and oil lanterns, tinkering around in his shed, and spending time with his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife: Mary Ann Conner of Flora; a daughter: Julie (Kent) Acree; 5 grandchildren, including special grandchildren: Gretchen Conner, Ian Acree, and Katrina Acree; 6 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: John Dowe Conner Jr.; and siblings: Harold Conner, Lester Conner, Betty Pate, and Joyce Bissey.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora with the presentation of military funeral honors. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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John was fun uncle. Great memories of him.
So sorry for your loss, Julie. He was a great neighbor for so many years.
Sorry for you loss
Prayers for the family!
Julie and family, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Prayers for you all.
Badeye was such a nice and fun guy. He and some co-workers would stop by our house some afternoons on their way into the yard. He would always have a cup of coffee and try to jump on the kids pogo ball. RIP Badeye…
So very sorry for the loss of John. Prayers for comfort.
We are very sorry to hear of John's passing thinking of all of the family.
Julie and family, please receive our condolences! You are in our prayings, keep the good moments in your heart and mind forever🤍
Sorry to hear about Uncle John's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for Aunt Mary Ann and Cousin Julie Acree and her family. I hope y’all can find some sort of comfort knowing that your loved one is no longer suffering. His eyes are open and he can hear everything being said. I feel strongly that my lil brother Dean and Uncle John are having coffee together.
I believe my dad, Robert Lynn Gray, and Badeye were good friends and served in the Korean Conflict at the same time. My dad passed December 21, 2022. I was with my mom (Phyllis (Grogan) Gray) yesterday and she shared a couple stories about the 2 of them. Good memories!! We are so sorry to hear of his passing and pray for peace and comfort for his friends and family.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss. I'll never forget the first time I stopped by his house and he insisted that Julie go get me a drink and I hadn't even stepped foot out of my car. John had a great personality!
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are for the entire family. Uncle John will live on in our hearts and is in a better place now. As one military person to another I salute you Uncle John and thank you for your service to the nation.
Julie and family, so sorry for the loss of your dad. Prayers for comfort and peace in your memories.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
