Bill Conner

Tell City, Indiana - William E. "Bill" Conner, passed away on January 14, 2021, at his home. He was born in Cannelton on August 8, 1929, son of Edward J. and Louise A. (Buckel) Conner. Bill attended St. Michael Grade School and graduated from Cannelton High School in 1947. He was united in marriage on February 3, 1951, to Joan L. Sabelhaus at St. Paul Catholic Church where they raised their children and remained active members for their entire adult lives, served on the parish council two terms and served as a lector, eucharistic minister and religious education teacher. In 1965, he served as Archdiocesan President of the National Council of Catholic Men. Bill's first job was at Henry Heck & Company, a hardware and grocery store formerly in Cannelton, when he was eleven years old. After high school, he served his apprenticeship under his father and became a fourth generation brick mason. After his father's death, he expanded their masonry business to include general construction, Conner Construction Company, which he operated for thirty-five years, along with a real estate development company. His business helped to develop three subdivisions in Cannelton during the 1960's and 1970's and helped secure local businesses coming to Cannelton, including Schwab Safe Company and Hydro-Tex. Bill served on the Tell City-Troy Township School Board during the building of the newer portion of the high school in the late 1970's, was a member of the board of directors of the former First Cannelton National Bank and was a lifelong member of Knights of Columbus Council #1172. Early on, he also had interest in C & R Furniture Company, (along with his lifelong friend, Guy Neil Ramsey), Lyons Caf, formerly in Cannelton, Marksmen Inn, formerly in Tell City and in 1974 began Conner Floor Covering where he continued working and installing ceramic tile well into his mid 80's, leaving only to be with and care for his wife, Joan. Bill and Joan had a large group of friends, whose families they grew up with and remained close with throughout their lifetime. Nothing was more important to them than God, family and friends. His legacy will be cherished and his faith and friendship will be sorely missed. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Joan L. Conner; children, Tim (Harriet) Conner, Christine (Keith) Kanneberg, Mary (Ron) Riley, Julie (Bob) Kohnert, David (Lisa) Conner, Theresa Conner (Jay Scott) and Stephen (Elizabeth) Conner; eighteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Preceding him in death besides his parents, was a sister, Loretta Mae (Conner) Anders; son, Gregory at birth; daughter Susan (Conner) Vauthier and son-in-law Vic Vauthier. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM CST on Monday, January 18, 2021, at St. Paul Catholic Church with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 5:00 PM on Sunday and from 8:30 until 9:30 on Monday at Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel. Rev. Tony Hollowell will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church or St. Michael Catholic Church. ** MASKS MUST BE WORN AT THE FUNERAL HOME AND AT CHURCH, ALONG WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING BEING PRACTICED.