Jesse Conner

With hearts full of love and sadness, we share that our beloved Papa, Jesse Conner, went home to be with the Lord on June 19th, 2026. Jesse was born on August 10, 1952, in Osceola, Missouri, to Jack Conner, Sr. and Juanita Coulter (Magdaleno).

Jesse served in the National Guard. He married the love of his life, Saundra Kay Conner, on July 10, 1971, in Urich, Missouri. They raised their two boys, Russell and Shaun Conner, in Adrian, Missouri. Jesse retired from working at Peterson Manufacturing after over 25 years of service in 2017 and lived his retirement years in Urich, Missouri where he called home.

Jesse never knew a stranger. His warm heart and easy conversation made people feel like they had known him forever. He was an enthusiastic member of Christ Christian Church in Urich, MO. Everyone in Urich knew him, loved him, and had a story to share about him. Whether he was visiting with friends, catching up with someone around town, or cheering from the sidelines, Jesse was always where the people were. You could often find him at K7 or at any ball game being played in town, proudly supporting the community and the people he cared about.

Jesse enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness — spending time with family and friends, playing cards, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, watching NASCAR, and being part of the community he loved so much.

His lively grin said it all — it revealed his mischievous, playful, and youthful spirit. Jesse had a gift for bringing laughter into every room. He was always ready with a good story, a little “tea” to share, and a memory that would leave everyone smiling.

He was called Papa by those who loved him most. To us, he was an ornery and loving grandfather, a storyteller, a friend, and a steady presence who brought joy wherever he went.

Beyond his humor and his social spirit, Papa Jesse’s greatest gift was the love he gave his family. The memories we made with him will remain treasures we carry with us.

Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, Saundra Kay Conner, his parents, Jack Conner, Sr. and Juanita Coulter (Magdaleno) his brother, Jack Conner and sister Martha Kathleen Conner. 

He is survived by his sons Russell Conner and Shaun Conner; grandchildren Kassaundra Mills (Conner), Hannah Nickerson (Conner), Logan Conner, Faith Conner, Gavin Conner, and Asher Conner; great-grandchildren Lyric Mills, Christopher Lavery, Hendrix Mills, Daisy Conner-Berning; brothers Gary Conner, Eddie Conner, Wiley Conner, Kelly Conner and Ed Coulter; sisters, Brenda Pullen, Joyce Crump, Eileen Parks; many loved more relatives and friends.

We find comfort knowing that Papa’s faith has brought him home, and we are grateful for the example he left behind. His laughter, his stories, and his love will continue to live on through everyone whose life he touched.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family to pay for funeral expenses. Donations can be sent through Cash App with the ID $JesseConnerMemorial or mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.