Gordon P. Conner

Gordon Pickford Conner, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the age of 92. More than anything, he was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, and his family is rejoicing that he is with his Savior.

Gordon was born in Pittsburgh, PA., on August 8, 1931, to Willard and Willa (Pickford) Conner. He had an amazing ear for music and loved to sing in choirs or around the dinner table. It was through the Wilkinsburg High School a capella choir that he met his wife of 72 years,

Barbara Myers, whom he married on November 21, 1951.

His childhood was shaped by the effects of the Great Depression and the impact of World War II, which might have accounted for his love of history. After graduating from high school in 1949, he enrolled at Ohio Wesleyan University to study history. He transferred to the University of Pittsburgh and graduated as a Phi Beta Kappa from Pitt in June 1953.

His multi-decade career was spent helping run Myers Furnace Supply Company, a family business started by his father-in-law, Wilbur Myers. Gordon was well versed in the heating and air conditioning industry and was frequently asked for his expertise by customers throughout the Pittsburgh area. He retired from the business as president in 1998.

Gordon had grown up in the church, but his relationship with Jesus Christ became real to him in the late 1960s. From that point on, his life was marked by his faithfulness to and reliance on Christ. He taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and led Bible studies. He wrote articles, participated as a singer at the Billy Graham Crusade in Pittsburgh, and served the congregations at the churches he attended – including being an elder and serving in various other leadership roles at Allegheny Center Alliance Church in Pittsburgh.

Perhaps the greatest gift Gordon gave others was how he lived out his faith. Gordon was a man of integrity and steadfast character. He took everyone seriously, saw their value, and treated them as friends. He listened to people and invested in their interests. He was the greatest encourager and supporter of his children and grandchildren. His generosity and kindness knew no bounds. Whenever anyone came to him, his only question was: How can I help? Gordon Conner lived and died a good and selfless man.

Even as they mourn, Gordon’s family is celebrating his life and his presence with the Lord. Gordon is survived by his wife, Barbara (Myers) Conner of High Point, N.C.; four children: Kathleen (Bruce) Meyer of Frisco, Texas; Karen (John) Tooley of Jamestown, N.C.; David (Mary) Conner of Austin, Texas; and Dana (Mark) Ritchie, of Chiang Mai, Thailand; eleven grandchildren: Sarah Tooley, Elaine Tooley, Peter Tooley, Jonathan Meyer, Krista (Don) Douglas, Andrew Conner, Bill Conner, Kiran (Jake Graham) Conner, Miriam Ritchie, Tim Conner and Lydia Ritchie; three great grandchildren: Clara Douglas, Jennavieve Meyer, and Wesley Conner; his sister, Anne (Dick) Hickox of Pittsburgh, Pa.; his sister-in-law, Kathy (Dick) Coe of Greensboro, N.C.; and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Gate City Baptist Church. 5250 Hilltop Rd., Jamestown, NC 27282. The family will receive friends and loved ones from 1:30 until 2:00 pm, prior to the memorial service. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com.