Brother Stanley Conner, CM
1946–2008

Brother Stanley J. Conner, CM, was born to Stanley J. and Mildred Lee Conner in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He earned degrees in education and music from Southeast Missouri State University and was a U.S. Navy veteran. He became acquainted with the Vincentians while teaching music in Cape Girardeau and entered the Congregation of the Mission in 1975. In 1983, Bro. Conner professed final vows and earned a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from De Andreis Institute of Theology.

Bro. Conner served at St. Catherine Labouré Church in Sappington, Missouri from 1982 to 1987. From there he was assigned to the Association of the Miraculous Medal, where he worked until 1994, when he was forced to retire due to a medical
disability. His final residence was at
the Apostle of Charity Residence at
St. Mary’s of the Barrens in Perryville

He was a trained musician and enjoyed sharing his talents with others. He was also an avid computer buff, and when personal computers first started to become available in the 1980s, he helped many clergy and laity enter the “information age”. The night before his funeral Mass and burial, family, confreres and friends shared memories of Bro. Conner. Many who attended recalled his patient endurance during his final years of physical infirmity, and how he was usually hesitant to ask for assistance unless he absolutely needed it. Others remembered his generosity. Said one longtime friend, “You had to be careful admiring anything Stanley had, because if he knew you liked it, he’d give it to you on the spot!”

Bro. Conner faced many troubles in his life and many hardships. In his final years, he found great comfort in his prayer life. In a recent conversation with one confrere, he stated, “I feel grateful in my prayer.” May he now find the peace and mercy the Lord promises to all the faithful departed.

He is survived by his sisters Lee Anne Bernstein, Karin Conner, and Alexis Strongin; extended family; and dear friends.