Obituary of Louis Edward Conner

Louis Edward Conner, 79, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday morning, September 28. Lou was born in 1939 to Harry and Anna (Kroboth) Conner.  He attended Battle Creek Public Schools and graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1957.  He then served in the US Navy beginning in 1957, and was on the Destroyer USS Hugh Purvis from 1957 to 1959, traveling around the world.  Lou worked as a lithographer at MCP Lithography in Battle Creek, MI.   He is survived by his wife of 57 years, JuLee Anne Tooze.  They were married in 1962 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek, MI.  They have two children, Jeffrey (Leslie) Conner, of Suwanee, GA, and Shannon (Chad) Haywood of Battle Creek, MI.  Four grandchildren survive as well, Jared Conner, Ryley Conner, Rebecca Haywood, and Matthew Haywood. He was very close to two godchildren, Aimee Ingerson of Lansing, MI, and Ray Gallant of Battle Creek.  He was preceded in death by his parents. Lou had many interests including racing and sports. Lou was a huge MSU fan, cheering on the Spartans, especially their football and basketball programs.  He enjoyed going to the Idle Hour Tavern, watching and talking about sports with friends. Lou was involved in the community. He coached local sports teams for many years, including Terry’s Citgo and Heffley Tigers girl’s floor hockey, and Mainstone Construction women’s/coed softball.  He loved auto racing of all kinds, especially sprint car and Outlaw Racing.  Some of his favorite tracks were Butler, I-96 in Ionia, and Hartford. Lou also enjoyed fishing and being at home with his two rescue cats. Cremation will take place and he will be interred at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, at 1 pm on October 18th, open to friends and family. There will also be a meet and greet with Lou’s family on October 17th, at 5:15 pm, at the Idle Hour Tavern in Battle Creek. 

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Southwest Michigan Hospice or Companion Cats in Battle Creek, MI