George A. Conner September 26, 1938 - July 17, 2016

George Conner better known as G.A. to friends and family passed away the evening of July 17, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born near Bruner, Missouri in 1938 to Leonard and Nellie “Bonnie” ( McHaffie) Conner. In 1957, G.A. graduated from Ellinwood High School in Ellinwood, Kansas. G.A. served in the Army Reserves, artillery battalion in the 89th Infantry Division. He worked for Rice Engineering and Operating for 42 years. He started with the company shoveling sand and through much effort and dedication he worked his way up to become head of production and part owner. He retired in 1999 to pursue a dream of returning to his birthplace in the Ozarks where he resided until his passing. In 1961, G.A. was wed to his lifelong companion, Sonja Thompson of Great Bend, Kansas. They were married for 54 blessed years and raised three children, Andy, David, and Ginger. He was a devoted husband and father who always put his family before anything else. In his retirement, he enjoyed collecting David Bradley garden tractors, traveling, and spending time playing with his grandkids. George was an avid breeder of peafowl. His creative understanding in the field of genetics led to the discovery a new peafowl color mutation. He was an active member of the United Peafowl Association and served as president for two terms. George is survived by his wife Sonja; his three children, Andy of Aldie, Virginia; Ginger of Branson, Missouri; David and his wife Deysi along with his beloved grandchildren; David, Diego, and Daniella of Cypress, Texas; three sisters Betty Spangler, Janice Ensle, and Linda Gladhart. He also leaves other family members including his Aunt Hazel and Uncle Bob Ferdig as well as a large, caring, extended family. George will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral services for George will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, July 21, 2016 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Burial will follow in Sparta Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 20 in the funeral home. On line condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com