September 16, 1938 – February 21, 2024
Roy Edward “Ed” Conner died peacefully on February 21, 2024. He was born in 1938 in his grandmother’s front bedroom in Kokomo, Ind. A graduate of Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, he also attended Purdue University in Indianapolis and Metropolitan College in Kansas City, Mo.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn (Stetzel) Conner; his sons, Tim (Beanie) and Kevin; and two grandchildren, Molly and Fritz Conner. He is also survived by his brothers, Mike and Pat.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Chrystal Conner; sister, Mary; and brothers, Stan, Greg, and Jeff.
He was employed by the Union Carbide Corporation for 33 years at the Speedway, Ind., facility. He helped to start up a new Union Carbide facility in Kansas City, Mo. After transferring back to the Speedway facility, he was assigned to the engineering department of research and development, where he began work on a project to provide heat protection to the ailerons of NASA’s Space Shuttle program.
Roy had a quick wit and a tremendous sense of humor. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. As a teenager, he was a member of the Allison Transmission’s rifle and pistol team. After school at the age of 13, he hunted small game and traded the game to Preston’s Grocery store at 21st and Ritter for whatever kitchen supplies his mother needed.
He was active in scouting in Kansas City and Noblesville and was instrumental in starting Boy Scout Troop 106 in Noblesville. He coached little league baseball and was a reserve deputy with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He served for Sheriffs Larry Cook, Bob Chandler, Dan Stevens, and Joe Cook.
Roy was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church, Gray Friends Church, and loved working in his yard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hamilton County Community Foundation.
The visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Harley Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3 p.m.
Interment will take place at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.
Online condolences can be given at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.