Donald Richard Conant

He was born July 15, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio to Richard and Florence Verbsky Conant. A memorial service is planned for 11:00am, Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Illinois. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Don spent his childhood years in Cleveland, graduating from John Marshall High School in 1966. He then served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S Chipola AO-63 in Vietnam, followed by continued service with the Naval Reserves until he was Honorably Discharged in 1976. Don went on to complete a degree in Finance from The Ohio State University, where he spent a lot of time at “the Library.”

Don married “Shari” Jaros in 1967 in Cleveland, OH. Together they moved to Central Illinois and raised 2 children, Donald II, and Amy. Don later married Stephanie Conant in 2004 who he loved dearly for the remainder of his life as they shared adventures in Oregon, New Mexico, California, and Montana. Perhaps his favorite adventure was a missions trip to Israel in 2011.

Don’s professional career began at the Federal Reserve Bank. He most enjoyed roles in training with Growmark and then American Cyanamid. Don finished his career as a financial representative with Thrivent. After retirement, Don went back to school to earn a CNA and enjoyed being a caregiver for others. Don always gave back to his community serving as a president of the Prairie Cities Soccer League in Bloomington, IL. He coached and refereed soccer for many years, always leaving a lasting influence. When he wasn’t involved in soccer, Don was born to be by the sea and loved to sail.

In addition to his wife Stephanie, survivors include his children, Donald R. Conant, II, Rye, New Hampshire, and Amy (Ron) Stork, Danvers, IL; step-children, Nicole (Joel) Kelley, Choteau, Montana and Dan Gleason, Rosamond, California. Sisters, Sandy Sedlacek and Lori (Greg) Davis, both of North Olmsted, Ohio; Grandchildren, Logan, Camren, and Grace Conant; Hayden and Brody Stork, Jordan (Piotr) Debowski, Shelby (Justin) Deavers, Enjolie, Jakob, Dani, and Hannah Kelley, and Amelie Gleason. Great Grandaughters Alina Debowski and Maisy Deavers; several nieces and nephews, and his faithful canine companions Kiazan and Dakota. Don was proceeded in death by his parents, his younger brother Clifford Conant, and a brother who passed at birth, Wesley Conant.

Perhaps his biggest legacy, Don was a follower of Jesus and shared his love of the Lord with everyone. He was instrumental in the faith journey of many through his involvement with Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, and Gideons International. Don was always quick with a joke and his smile was contagious. He never met a stranger and was known for making paper napkin roses for every waitress who served him in a restaurant. He was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed.