Donald Dennis Conner Sr.

Born in Fresno, California on June 6, 1933 to Jasper and Mildred Conner, Don was raised and educated in Fresno, attending Fresno City College. Don served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and a Good Conduct Medal. Upon his return to the states, Don married Loretta Mae Pampeian of Visalia on June 2, 1956. For more than 60 years Don and Loretta made Visalia their home.

Don worked for Southern California Edison Company as a Poleman in the Tulare-Visalia area, retiring from Edison after more than 35 years, before then going to work for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as a Business Representative and Negotiator for an additional 10 years. During his work career, Don tended to his family’s small farm, raising cotton and walnuts for nearly 45 years.

Don was an enthusiastic advocate for hunting, fishing, and public access to parks and forest spaces. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, as well as an active member of several organizations including the Visalia Sportsman Club, the California Wildlife Association, and the Sportsman Council of Central California; all organizations in which he served multiple terms as President. Don was a people person and enjoyed times spent with family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jacqueline Hayes. He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta; two children, Donald Conner, Jr. of Los Olivos, CA and Dionne Murch and husband Tony of Exeter, CA; his brother James Conner of San Jacinto, CA; one grandson TJ Murch and wife Stacey and one great granddaughter, Ashley Murch.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 10 a.m. also at Miller Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Visalia District Cemetery.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.