Robert Connor, 62, of Peoria, passed away at 2:43 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2010, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
A Funeral Liturgy will be at noon on Friday, December 3, 2010, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.
Bob was born in Jacksonville on March 2, 1948, a son of Theodore and Jane (Hawk) Connor. His parents preceded him in death. He married Paula J. Sullivan on July 1, 1972 at St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria. She survives.
He is also survived by his sons, Michael (Norma) of Huntsville, AL, Theodore of Peoria and Robert (Kristen) of Godfrey; brothers, James (Molly) of Lake Zurich and Thomas (Anne) of Telluride, CO; and grandson, Liam of Godfrey.
Bob retired in 2003, after thirty-one years of service, as a Heat Treat Engineer for Caterpillar at Building HH in East Peoria.
While raising his sons, he served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop Leader and he and Paula were active in the Peoria Greyhound Rescue and Adoption program.
He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving stateside as a Hospital Corpsman, during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on June 1, 1971. He attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Bob enjoyed cooking, reading, baking and collecting stamps. He also enjoyed listening to music from the 1960s and 1970s, especially Chicago, REO Speedwagon and Simon & Garfunkel. He was a fan of Chicago Bears football, Chicago Cubs baseball and University of Alabama football.
He will be remembered as a caring, family oriented man. His family was the most important thing in his life.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's memory to the charity of the donor's choice.
| Antonio y Veronica Hernandez |
From Florida |
December 5, 2010 |
We are sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Love you, Mike y Norma
| Greg Pedersen |
from CAT |
December 2, 2010 |
I was fortunate to work with Bob at Caterpillar. I worked in corporate computer systems and Bob used software that I had to support. Bob pushed us like a good coach would to continually improve the software to benefit all those that used it. I did not work day-to-day with Bob, but on and off over a 10 - 12 year period. I have nothing but fond memories and deep respect for Bob. That he was a veteran of our armed forces deepens my respect even more for him. He is with God.
