Conley E Bogard

Conley was born July 23, 1928, in McClellan, AR to William Elwood Bogard, Sr. and Oma Bernice (Swindle) Bogard. As the 2nd of 12 children, he was tasked with taking care of his many brothers and sisters. As a young man, Conley worked at a cotton gin with his father and was known for being very honest and hard-working. Conley won a lottery in November of 1950, and was inducted into the Army during the Korean War. Like many farm boys, he was sent to engineering school. He spent most of his two-year tour in an engineering unit, primarily as a bulldozer and grader operator. Within 18 months he was promoted from a private, E1, to a staff-sergeant, E6. When his two-year enlistment ended, he married the love of his life, Eddie June (Adams) on November 29, 1952. They were married at a preacher’s house with two of Eddie June’s friends as witnesses and got on a bus headed to Rockford, IL the very same day. Conley worked at JL Clark and moonlighted at a night time janitorial job before going to barber school. He completed his barber apprenticeship in June of 1964. He worked at John & Conley’s Barber Shop for about 10 years. The shop eventually became known as Conley’s Barber Shop. He was a cherished community barber for 52 years. His family believes that Conley was touched by God. He and Eddie June survived being struck by lightning one day while driving their car. He attended church at The Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL, where he loved listening to the songs and music. He was a great fan of Western movies and playing cards.

Conley is survived by his children, Steve (Judy) Bogard and Connie (Timothy) Berg; six grandchildren, Adrienne McGee (Logan Schiler), Audrey Bogard, Leeann Peary, James (Jennifer) Peary, Sydney Berg and Alec Berg; great-grandchildren, Dean Thomas, Traci McGee, Ryder McGee, and Maggie Peary, as well as 8 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eddie June Bogard, daughter Cynthia Jane Peary, and 3 siblings.

Conley was laid to rest on December 20, 2023, at a private burial service. Memorial will be held January 13, 2024, at The Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL.