William David Conner, age 74, of Hartsburg, was born May 19, 1949, at Tuscumbia, a son of William E. and Mary B. (Kidwell) Conner, and passed from this life Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at The Neighborhood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility, Columbia.

He was a 1969 graduate from the School of the Osage, and on September 17, 1969, David was drafted in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam as a heavy equipment operator. He served in the United States Army until September 16, 1975, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant (E5).  A man of excellent character, David's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimony of selfless and faithful service to his country.

David drove all types of trucks his whole life and after his honorable discharge form the United States Army, continued his working career driving for various lumber companies in Columbia, and several other companies until his retirement in 1985.

He was united in marriage December 14, 1975, in Jefferson City, to Thelma Helms.

David enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and being outdoors, whether he was simply watching the wildlife, gardening, or getting in some quiet time mowing the lawn.

Those left to mourn the passing of David include: his loving wife of 47 years, Thelma of the home in Hartsburg; one daughter, Angela Thompson (Stewart Sanner) of Columbia; one son, Michael Conner (Carrie Maines Zaharoolis) of Ashland; one stepson, James Kinworthy (Julie) of Columbia; four grandchildren,  Rafe Kinworthy of Columbia, Sarah Thompson of Columbia, Caleb Conner of Ashland, and Lila Conner of Ashland; sister and brother -in-law, Brenda and Gene Miller of Louisiana; one half-sister & brother-in-law, Earl and Joyce Madeley of Montgomery, Texas; and many other relatives and friends.

David was preceded in death by his father, William E. Conner; his mother, Mary B. (Kidwell) Conner; his father & mother-in-law, Marvin and Lucy Helms; one brother-in-law, James "Gene" Helms; and one sister, Linda Conner.

A grave side memorial service with full military honors will be held for David at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in the Vienna Public Cemetery, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna. Honorary pallbearers for David Conner will be his grandchildren, Caleb Conner, Lila Conner, Sarah Thompson, and Rafe Kinworthy.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. William David Conner are suggested by his family to the Central Missouri Honor Flight with envelopes available at the Vienna Funeral Home or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO, 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of David at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com