Richard “Dick” Gaylord Conn, 93, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his home, surrounded by loving family on Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was born in Allen County on August 8, 1928. Dick was the son of the late John and Opal (Spillers) Conn.
He married the love of his life, Marcellyn Mae (Henry) Conn on June 12, 1948. They were blessed with 51 years together until her passing in January of 2000.
Dick became a manager at American Optical after starting in the lab at age seventeen. In 2015, he retired from Cunningham Optical/Optical One as Special Project Manager at the age of 86. He volunteered for the next five years at County Line Church of God, the Red Cross, Parkview Hospice, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Community Harvest Food Bank, and Smith Academy for Excellence. His love and devotion to God was reflected in the numerous ways he served others throughout his life.
He cherished the times he spent with his family and friends. Whether sharing a meal, teaching Sunday School classes, or a small group Bible Study, watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s sports events, he was an avid fan; especially loving I.U. Basketball.
Dick is survived by his children, Rev. James (Connie) Conn, and Jodi (Charles) DeFord; grandchildren, Angela (Javier) Ponce, Amy (Bryan) Zimmerman, Danielle (Matthew) Bradley, Cameron (Katie) DeFord, Chelsea (Korey) Lininger, and Connor DeFord; great-grandchildren, Bethany and Rebecca Ponce, Drew, Bryson and Cody Zimmerman, Owen Bradley, Theo and Holden DeFord, Keaton and Kolten Lininger; brother-in-law and faithful friend, Robert Henry; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 11:00am on Friday, November 12, 2021 at the County Line Church of God, 7716 N. County Line Road E., Auburn, IN 46706, with calling one hour prior. Additionally, a calling will take place from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to County Line Church of God. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Dick's family may be shared at www.HockemeyerMillerFH.com
