Walter Lister Conner Jr.

Walter Lister Conner Jr., 85, of Garfield, Arkansas departed this life on December 29, 2024 after battling illness. He was born on February 26, 1939, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Walter Lister and Ruth Ann (Eckler) Conner.

Walt is preceded in death by his parents, sister Joyce Smith and husband Cliff, brother-in-law Malcolm McLean, son-in-law Stephen Hill, and nephew Andrew McLean.

Walt is survived by his wife of 44 years Mary Gail (McDonald) Conner, his sister Malinda McLean, his son Quentin and wife Deborah, daughter Marady Hill, step-daughters Natalie Overby and Brenna Watson and husband Clint, niece Leaella Shirley and husband Henry, and nephew Calum McLean. He has eight surviving grandchildren: Christoper, Brooke, and Sarah Conner; Maegan and Sean Watson; Phoebe and Simone Overby; and Conner Hill.

Walt was a thinker, academic, and entrepreneur. Jack of all trades and master of all, he was curious about the world around him and believed in critical thought and reason. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and studied Philosophy. Walt was instrumental in founding the Canadian County Water Authority in Oklahoma, volunteered his time to improve adult literacy, and supported preservation of the environment.

In his early career, Walt worked in steel manufacturing and machine shops with specialties in the electrical and mechanical trades. In mid-career, he helped design and build emerging microcomputer systems at Micronics, Inc. in Oklahoma City, specializing in software development. Walt owned and operated the first internet service provider in Oklahoma, Questar Network Services. He was proud to bring the internet to educational organizations across the State.

Walt was a Deacon in Crown Heights Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Oklahoma City. He supported the inclusion of women in all roles in the church.

A celebration of Walt’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22 from 2-5 PM at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 East Fifth St, Edmond, OK.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Shriners Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/st-louis/about-us/ways-to-give) or the Natural Resources Defense Council (www.nrdc.org).