of Grass Lake, MI, age 76, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the VA Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan following a long battle with heart disease. He was born July 2, 1940 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Raymond F. & Alyce (Auten) Conner.
Dick graduated from Milan High School in 1959, and later earned degrees in criminal justice and electronic engineering. He was a Viet Nam veteran, serving with the Air Force. Dick was a Sergeant Detective for the Washtenaw County Sheriff's office. He worked for Chrysler, Chrysler Defense, General Dynamics (working on the Abram tanks), as a test engineer, and was the owner of Perimeter Alarm. He was a member of Chelsea Free Methodist Church. Dick was very active in Veteran recognition. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed golfing, and antique Farmall tractors.
On March 11, 1960, he married Wanda English in Ypsilanti, and she survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Sara (Jeff) Smith of Grass Lake; two sons, Richard John II (Tammy) Conner of Grass Lake, Timothy S. Conner of Jackson; two sisters, Rosemary (Al) Michaels of Willis, Kathy Conner of Milan; 4 grandchildren, Britt (Wayne) Hanson, Kali Staebler (Casey Maloney), Brandon Conner, Joshua Conner; and 3 great-grandchildren, Oliver Hanson, Elsie Hanson, Serenity Conner; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends from 10-11 am, with a memorial service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at the Washington Street Education Center auditorium, 500 Washington St. , Chelsea, with Rev. Jeff Ford and Rev. Jeff Bradley officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Free Methodist Church building fund, or International Child Care Ministries, 770 N High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46214. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.