La Vern Conner

LaVern M. Conner November 23, 1925 ~ April 19, 2014 LaVern M. Conner, 88, of Quincy, WA, died on Saturday, April 19, 2014. LaVern was born at home on November 23, 1925, in Burwell NE, the fourth son of nine children. While in high school, he spent his summers doing various jobs around the community to help support the family. He graduated from high school in Burwell, NE in June 1944. Shortly after graduating, LaVern and his family moved to Fruitland, ID to a farm they homesteaded. Four days after arriving, LaVern received his draft notice and had to return to Burwell for induction into the Army. While he was stationed in Europe, he earned three Combat Stars and a Purple Heart. Following discharge in May 1946, LaVern returned to Fruitland, ID, where he worked for three years as a farm laborer. Seeking further opportunities, he moved to Portland, OR in March of 1949. In Portland, he met Alta Heath and they married on September 9, 1950. During their six and a half years in Portland, the couple had four children; a son, followed by three daughters. LaVern worked as a furniture assemblyman until March 1957. LaVern and his family relocated to Fruitland, ID, where he worked with the Black Canyon Irrigation District. In 1963, they moved to Quincy, WA to begin employment with the Bureau of Reclamation Irrigation District. LaVern worked at the Columbia Basin District for a total of 26 years as a Ditch Rider and later, as an Assistant Watermaster. LaVern's wife of 60 years passed away in Quincy on February 24, 2011. LaVern will be remembered for his commitment to family and his faith. He was respected and honest in his dealing with others. The Depression era helped form his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Though he was a serious man, in later years, he was recognized by his dry sense of humor. Things he most enjoyed were visits from his kids, his garden, cars, walks, watching sports, hunting, fishing, and sitting quietly with Alta on the patio. He additionally enjoyed escaping the Washington winters by snow-birding in Arizona. LaVern was a pragmatist with a strong sense of survival that carried him though difficult times. LaVern is survived by his four children: Larry Conner, Marcy Hutchins, Delores Guest, and Karla Thompson; his sisters, Anna Rickard and Alta Southwell; 17 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen Jay and Helena Conner; and six brothers, Stephen Henry Conner, Calvin E. Conner, Clayton Conner, Stanley Jay Conner, Joseph Edward Conner and Phillip Conner. Funeral Services will be held at the Church of the Nazarene in Quincy, WA on Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. A luncheon will be served at the church at 12:30, prior to the Service. Please make any memorial donations to the Quincy Church of the Nazarene or to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

La Vern Conner

November 23, 1925 - April 19, 2014