Conner D Shea

Born April 2, 1936, in Joliet, IL, to William and Florence (Wagner) Shea, Conner was youngest of three children, and was raised by his aunt (Kathryn Birkey), in Joliet, following the passing of his parents. He served in the US Navy, from February, 1957, through August, 1960. Following his discharge from service, he went to work driving a truck for Peter G. Lenning Grocery (1961 to 1967), in Joliet, followed by 31 years driving tanker trucks, for Rogers Cartage Company. He married his best friend, Ella Jewel (White) Cummins, in the late 1980's, after several years' courtship, acquiring both a bride that he loved to his dying day, and 4 more children to love, along with the 4 that he already had. He retired from Rogers in 1998, when the company was acquired by Tankstar USA, Inc. He loved being a trucker, and never tired of “talking trucks” with the several of his children who took up the same career. Following retirement, he took to traveling for pleasure, making several leisurely cross-country road-trips with his wife, before declining health began to restrict their range

Conner loved watching old westerns, the Chicago Bears football, and the Chicago Cubs baseball, on TV. As a lifelong, die-hard Cubs fan, he took great delight in cheering for – and complaining about! - his “Cubbies”, whether he was listening to their games on the radio, watching on TV, or sitting in the stands at Wrigley Field. Over the years, the phrase “Not in THIS lifetime!” became a common complaint, when someone asked if he thought the Cubs had a chance at the World Series. Less than two months before his death, however, he was finally able to change that response, when his beloved Cubs finally won the 2016 World Series. “In this lifetime, Pop – Cubs Win!”

Conner also enjoyed fishing, telling jokes and stories, taking road trips, puttering around in his garage, and spending time with his many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved country music, and dancing, and had a regular habit of taking his “best girl” out for both, on Friday nights, in their younger years. He was a faithful son of the Catholic church, regularly attending mass at Saint Mary's Church, in Griffith, IN, until declining health made that no longer practical. Father Mens, of Saint Mary's, visited him at home, a few days before his passing.

Conner's cheerful and loving spirit will be dearly missed, by all who knew him. In his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he leaves behind a legacy of humor, loyalty, and unconditional love, that will not be soon forgotten.

Conner was preceded in death by his parents, and both older siblings (William Shea, and Jean (Shea) Poper). He was also preceded by his wife of many years, Jewel, and two of their sons (Ronald Cummins, and David Shea). He is survived by six children: Chuck (Terri) Cummins, of Hebron, IN; William G. Shea, of Griffith, IN; Shelia (Rick) Alberson, of New Lennox, IL; Doreen Cummins, of Indianapolis, IN; Carolyn (Jim) Cothran, of Gary, IN; and Dr. David Cummins, of Valparaiso, IN.; 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday December 8, 2016 from 2-8 pm at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 525 N. Broad Street, Griffith, IN on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 10 AM with Rev. Theodore Mens, celebrating. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Memorial Park.