Courtland Curtis Conkwright

Courtland Curtis Conkwright passed away December 10, 2021, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born August 24,1940, in Highland, Illinois, to Courtland (Buster) and Nelda L. (Riggin) Conkwright, whom preceded him in death.

The most important thing in his life was his family. He married his beloved “Candy” Candace Homan Bromund in 1969 who he met when she was a ground hostess at Chicago O’Hare. He often said it was love at first site for him. Three children he adored, made their lives complete, Lesly Czajkowski (Mark), Michelle Hurt (Jason), and Ryan Conkwright (Jennifer). He was a loving and doting “Papa” to grandchildren Jordan Czajkowski, Riley and Gavin Hurt, Dylan and Makenzie Conkwright, Allyson Finkeldey (Doug) and Brett Czajkowski. He was a much loved and faithful brother to Sandra Conkwright Brubaker (Dr. Stephen), Denise Homan and Uncle to Jamie Brubaker-Dahl (Andrew). A son, Christopher Curtis, his parents, brother Jack R. Conkwright, in-laws, Tom and Anita Knafl, aunts, uncles and cousins proceeded him in death. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, niece, many cousins and friends.

“Court” spent most of his youth and young adulthood in Champaign, Illinois. He attended Dr. Howard Elementary, Champaign Jr. and Sr. High, and Eastern Illinois University. These years were spent playing baseball in Little League, Jaycee’s, serving as the manager for the high school football and baseball teams, and helping in his parent’s restaurant, Conkey’s, in west Champaign. At the age 13, he was stricken with Polio, spending his birthday in the hospital, but making a full recovery. He also built three beautiful hot rods from the ground up in his dad’s garage. When finished, he raced them at a nearby drag racing track. He was instrumental in the founding of two car clubs, the Charioteers and Revmasters. Besides building hot rods, he enjoyed target shooting and placed 3rd in the NRA Junior Rifle District Championship at

the age of 16.

In 1962, Court joined the United States Marine Corps . His basic training was completed at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he earned his PFC stripe and Expert Rifleman’s badge, and Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He was in the Honor Platoon of L Company, Platoon 238, 2nd Division. He attained the rank of E5 Sgt. before his honorable discharge.

He was employed by the Railway Express Agency in Champaign as a delivery driver followed by a long career in the airline industry. Becoming a ticket agent with Ozark Airlines at University of Illinois Willard Airport, marked the beginning of a 40 year path to increasing responsibilities and positions. He worked at O’Hare International as Operations Manager, was the first station manager for Ozark at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., and was the first Operations Manager for Ozark at their new hub, St. Louis Lambert Airport. He retained that position when Ozark was bought out by TWA. After another buy out by American Airlines, he became the Supervisor of Ground Operations. At one time he had 1,100 employees under his management. He retired in 2003 from American Airlines.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, genealogy, connecting with old friends, feeding his birds, helping with warriors at the Ranch Ministries once a year, and driving his red 2010 Mustang GT, always the consummate car aficionado.

A visitation for Courtland will be held Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Full Military Honors at 7:00 PM at Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel, 9450 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Chariots4Hope P.O.Box 390593 Omaha, NE 68139

www.chariots4hope.org

The Ranch Ministries 1905 S. 113th Avenue Omaha, NE 68144

www.theranchministries.com

Both Non-Profits demonstrate God's love in extraordinary ways!

Cars, Veterans and Loving/serving people.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Conkwright family.