David Howard Connor, of Holt Summit, was born January 23, 1936, at Marston, Missouri, a son of Robert F. and Sylvia M. (Matthews) Connor, and departed this life at 8:53 p.m., Sunday evening, May 19, 2015, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Vichy. Mr. Connor had attained the age of 79 years 3, months, and 26 days.

Mr. Connor was united in marriage on June 5, 1971, in Perryville, Missouri, to Gladys Leona Miller, and to this union three children were born. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Alexander; his father, Robert; his mother, Sylvia; one brother, Robert Connor, Jr.; and one sister, Mildred Geraldine Coyle.

Mr. Connor was a member of the Freedom Christian Church, New Bloomfield, and was baptized unto our Lord at the age of 70. He attended Vienna High School prior to moving to St. Louis where he graduated from Central High School. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years. Mr. Connor attended University of Missouri-Columbia, and received his bachelors of Science in Education from South East Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau. He continued his education at Duke in North Carolina receiving his Master Degree in Biology. He was a science teacher in Perryville, Advance, and the Algoa Correctional Center, Jefferson City, prior to his retirement. Mr. Connor loved gardening, fishing, and photography.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Connor include: His wife, Gladys of the home in Holts Summit; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Robert and Beverly Connor, Taos; and Evan Connor, Jefferson City; one daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Tom Holste, Chicago, Illinois; one sister, Patsy Ruth Powell, Columbia, Illinois; five grandchildren, Evanna, Rosalia, Isaac, Annabelle, and India; one grand-granddaughter, Dani; and other relatives and friends.

The way Mr. Connor lived and interacted with others was the best tribute anyone could have for their life. Fond and precious memories will always be remembered in the hearts of his dear family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mr. Connor at the Freedom Christian Church, New Bloomfield, on Saturday May 30, 2015, beginning at 3:00 pm with Pastor John Finley leading.

Memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Connor to Middle River Cemetery Association, c/o Lola Wekenborg, 11600 Wekenborg Lane, Tebbetts, MO 65080 or the MO Grape Growers Association, Linda Koch Sec/Treas, PO Box 55, New Bloomfield, MO 65063

Arrangements are under the direction of the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.