Thomas Dean Conner

Tom served in the Navy as a draftsman for a total of six years, with two years of active duty and four years in the reserves. He went on to have a distinguished career of 30+ years as a draftsman, engineer, and project manager with ADOT. He helped to create many of the interchanges along the highways throughout Arizona. A fixer of all, Tom also created a handyman business called "Daddy Fix It" and was an integral member of the small family business, “D2R, Inc.”.

Tom was the cherished husband of 60 years to the love of his life, Lorinda. He is survived by his daughters, Beth (Dan) Hardcastle, Mellissa (John) Bayles, and Christine (Michael) Miner, as well as eight grandchildren: Sarah Harcastle, Stephen Miner, Brandon Bayles, Faith Hardcastle, Tanner Bayles, Kevin Miner, Danielle Hardcastle, and Joshua Hardcastle. He also leaves behind his brother, Dan Conner (Emily), and their two sons, Daniel (Katie) and Timothy (Tahnee), along with multiple additional nieces and nephews. Tom and Lorinda were known for their willingness to support others and make them part of their family. They had many ‘extra kids’, including Sherry Wetterberg (Carl) and her children, Charity, Tonja, BillyRay and Thomas. Andrea Krzicik (Berndt) and their son Jacob, and Hannu Rosenqvist (Katja) and their daughters Veera and Venla.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Leone Conner, and his infant brother, Johnny Conner.

In his personal time, Tom dabbled in art and photography and enjoyed bowling. His true passion, however, was restoring old cars, particularly his 1950 Hudson Super 8 and his 1966 Ford Pickup. He was a proud member of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Hudson Club, holding both regional and national offices over the years. Tom and Lorinda drove the Hudson over 88,000 miles across 48 of the 50 United States, with plans to visit Alaska that were altered by COVID. He loved attending car shows, continuing to do so even when he could no longer bring or drive his own cars.

Tom was a faithful man, always eager to share his faith with others, and consistently willing to offer a hug or a listening ear as he mentored people in both life and faith. Serving in the church was a priority for him and his family. He was a devoted sponsor of the Senior High Youth Club at Christ Presbyterian Church in the 1980s and took several groups of high school students on summer work-mission trips throughout the United States. After moving north, Tom and Lorinda joined Church of Joy and later followed Pastor Derek Hines to Life Church, where they found a group of amazingly dedicated and faithful people who became their beloved Church Family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Life Church Peoria.

Pallbearers will include his sons-in-law, John Bayles and Dan Hardcastle, and grandsons, Brandon Bayles, Tanner Bayles, Joshua Hardcastle, and Tommy West.