James Ronald Conner
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As the new year began, so too, Ron Conner began his new life with his Eternal Heavenly Father on January 1, 2021 at Spirit Mountain Hospice in Cody, Wyoming.
He was born James Ronald Hunter in Ector County, Odessa, Texas on February 25, 1950. Three days later he was adopted by Samuel Ernest and Myrtis (Smith) Conner who had waited years for a child to call their own and they gave him the name James Ronald Conner, which later became Ronnie. He grew up knowing that he was loved by all who crossed his path. He was especially loved by his Granny who instilled in him many redeeming qualities. She was not one to spare the rod and spoil the child, but she loved him unconditionally and he knew it. Her house was on his walk home from school, so every day he stopped off for a hug and usually a Pepsi and what they called "pull-apart bread". Throughout his early years Ron managed to surround himself with a gang of good friends. If one of them couldn't think of enough mischief to get into the others would. Ron's mentor and idol was his Daddy and he loved him with all his heart and soul. They were each other's very best friend always and at one point, business partners also.
Ron was a "jack-of-all-trades, master-of-everything he attempted." His hobbies included photography, pottery, painting, archery, hunting, fishing, wilderness camping, rock climbing, hiking, gardening, landscaping, hot rods, music (all genres), all types of dancing, including ballroom. He was kind, caring, loving, and compassionate to all he met. He was not one to start a fight, but he would certainly stand up for what was right and would never back down from a bully. His Daddy told him, "Son, a bully puts his pants on one leg at a time just like you do" and that became his motto.
Ron's Dad instilled in him, at a very young age, a good work ethic. At the age of thirteen, Ron started a mowing business, which continued through high school and into his adult years. He began a career in the family business, Conner Coating and Painting, shortly after high school until the business was sold. He worked at Handy Dan Hardware as Garden Manager for a number of years and at Strike-It-Rich as their garden manager, but his happiest place to be was at Conner's Greenhouses. There he found insurmountable peace surrounded by God's beautiful creations.
In 2003, the couple relocated to Worland, where they purchased the Worland RV and Campground. Ron found great solitude in the Big Horn Mountains and together with his wife spent many memorable hours just enjoying God's scenery.
He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brothers, Dale Murinko and Phil Murinko.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Conner of Worland, WY, three stepdaughters, Lisa Muniz of Hurst, TX, Paula Barbee of Ira, TX, Casey Pate of Powell, WY. In addition, three half-sisters, Sherry Hunter, Debbie (Matt) Hill, Buffy Murinko all of Casper, WY; half-brothers Mike (Ellen) Murinko of Post Falls, Idaho, John Murinko of Spokane, WA, Vaughn (Jeri) Murinko of Spirit Lake, ID, Frank Murinko.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Grace Chapel Community Church with Pastor Louis Pantelis officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held 6:30 PM Wednesday evening at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial donations may be to the New Hope Humane Society and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.
