1924
Rev.
2014
Rev. Delbert Connor
June 8, 1924 — April 24, 2014
Munster, Indiana - The Rev. Delbert B. Connor, 89, passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Saviour to receive his eternal reward on April 24, 2014, after a period of declining health, surrounded by his children. He was born June 8, 1924, in Canton, Ohio, to Traverse and Inez Connor. Following the death of his parents, he was raised by his foster parents, Elmer "Pat" and Pearl Patterson. Following graduation from McKinley High School, Del served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 656th Field Artillery Battalion "A" from 1943-1946 in Europe. He married the love of his life, Norma Jayne Mackley, on June 9, 1946, and she survives him. He is also survived by a sister, Clara (Richard) Tinlin of San Juan Capistrano, California, and foster sisters, Hazel Kovacs of Canton, Ohio, and Margie Michaelis of Lighthouse Point, Florida. Pastor Connor is also survived by 5 sons and a daughter; David (Suzanne) Connor of Miller Beach, Indiana, John (Mary) Connor of Memphis, Tennessee, Judy (Duane) Jacobs of Hammond, Indiana, Mark Connor of Canton, Ohio, Jim (Susan) Connor of Highland, Indiana, and Joel (Ruthie) Connor of Shreve, Ohio. He has 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 7 brothers, 1 sister, and 2 grandchildren, Scott David Connor and Rebekah Michelle Connor.
Pastor Connor graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago in 1949. He worked at Timken Roller Bearing Company in Canton and was Sunday School Superintendent at the Canton Gospel Center from 1950 to 1964. In 1964, he moved his family to Crestline where he became the youth leader and Sunday School Superintendent at Conservative Baptist Church. Pastor Connor also had a Sunday afternoon gospel radio program at WQLX in Galion. He was manager of the Crestline Lawson's convenience store and then worked at PPG Industries before answering the call to the ministry. In 1975, he became the first pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Big Prairie and an ordained minister in November of that year. Rev. and Mrs. Connor served faithfully for 30 years, with him retiring at the age of 80. Del was a member of First Baptist Church, Hammond, Indiana, and formerly a member of Bunkerhill Baptist Church in Butler, before moving to Indiana.
Pastor Connor lived what he taught, a man with great integrity. The principles by which he lived his life, both personal and professional, were completely modeled after his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He touched the lives of many people with the monthly newsletter he published, The Gospel Evangel, as well as writing a poem each morning for his wife. He demonstrated unconditional love to his children and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Friends may call Thursday, May 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, Sherwood Chapel, and a service celebrating the life and ministry of Pastor Del Connor will be held Friday, May 2, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, Sherwood Chapel, Wooster, Ohio, by his close personal friend Dr. C. B. Gomez, with military rites to follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com.
Pastor Connor graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago in 1949. He worked at Timken Roller Bearing Company in Canton and was Sunday School Superintendent at the Canton Gospel Center from 1950 to 1964. In 1964, he moved his family to Crestline where he became the youth leader and Sunday School Superintendent at Conservative Baptist Church. Pastor Connor also had a Sunday afternoon gospel radio program at WQLX in Galion. He was manager of the Crestline Lawson's convenience store and then worked at PPG Industries before answering the call to the ministry. In 1975, he became the first pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Big Prairie and an ordained minister in November of that year. Rev. and Mrs. Connor served faithfully for 30 years, with him retiring at the age of 80. Del was a member of First Baptist Church, Hammond, Indiana, and formerly a member of Bunkerhill Baptist Church in Butler, before moving to Indiana.
Pastor Connor lived what he taught, a man with great integrity. The principles by which he lived his life, both personal and professional, were completely modeled after his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He touched the lives of many people with the monthly newsletter he published, The Gospel Evangel, as well as writing a poem each morning for his wife. He demonstrated unconditional love to his children and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Friends may call Thursday, May 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, Sherwood Chapel, and a service celebrating the life and ministry of Pastor Del Connor will be held Friday, May 2, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, Sherwood Chapel, Wooster, Ohio, by his close personal friend Dr. C. B. Gomez, with military rites to follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rev. Delbert Connor, please visit our flower store.