The Southern Illinoisan April 4, 2015 (Photo) INA -- On April 2, 2015, Howard J. Conner went to be with the Lord. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his love of singing, playing music, dancing, fishing, reminiscing about his friends and telling stories to make his family laugh. He especially loved to sing in church. He was born the son of Louis and Oma (Sweetin) Conner on Dec. 20, 1925, in Ina and married Betty Ann Toney on Nov. 2, 1948, in Piggott, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on Nov. 23, 1989. To this union was born four children: Kathy Elaine (Conner) Tullis; Terry Joe and wife, Cheryl, Conner; Jerry Dan and wife, Rebecca, Conner and Jeffrey Alan and wife, Kathy Conner. He was also a father to his one stepson, Jimmy Scott Shaw, who preceded him in death on March 13, 1976. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, a retired coal miner and 67-year UMWA member, and a member of the Ewing Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Ina Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren and one step great-grandson. They are: Stacy (Hawkins) Nocerino, husband Philip, daughter Liliana and step-son, Nicholas; Cody Hawkins, wife Alisha and daughters Rylee and Aria; Christie (Conner) Capps, husband Matt, and children, Gage and Aubrie; Tyson Conner and wife, Lindsey; Joshua Conner, wife Haven, and children Shelby and Nathan; Janie Beth Conner; Mendy (Conner) Payne, husband, Jason and children Reece, Logan and Sydney; Matthew Conner and special friend, Nicole Masters and David Conner and fiancé, Jerica Zanton. He is also survived by: one brother, Paul Wallace Conner of Ocala, Florida; a sister-in-law, Ethel Conner, of Charlton, Arizona and, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the Ina Community Center with Brother Dale Burzynski and Brother David Shores officiating. Military rites by American Legion Post 141 will be conducted at Kirk Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ina Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ina Missionary Baptist Church building fund for handicap accessibility and can be accepted at the services. Johnston Funeral Home in Ina is in charge of arrangements.