(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)
Stephen Bristol Connor, of Joplin, Missouri, lost his battle with diabetes on June 12, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.
Steve is survived by his wife Tobie Connor, his son Colton Connor (fiancé, Catherine), mother Emily Pierce Connor, siblings Sherrie and Edward Connor, Jim and Cathy Connor Peters, Karla and Michael Connor, Julie and Mark Connor, David and Ann Connor Evans, Tim and Emily Connor Hunt, Art and Alice Connor Wright, Charlie and Suzanne Connor Gwynn, Dirk and Carol Connor Beal, Courtney and David Connor, as well as countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Due to being the son of an Air Force officer, Steve grew up in numerous places: San Francisco Bay Area, Montgomery, Alabama, Tampa, Florida, and back to San Francisco Bay area, until finally settling in at the age of 13 in Tallahassee, Florida.
Growing up in Tallahassee, Steve enjoyed various activities and sports, especially football and scouting. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America in the Suwannee River Area Council. He achieved the rank of Life Scout and made the 1970 summer high adventure trip to Philmont Scout Ranch led by former Scoutmaster Sam Murrow of Troop 110.
Steve was a three-year letterman for the Leon High Football team from 1970-1972 playing on both the 1970 and 1972 squads who went to the state semi-finals, and in the Florida High School 4A State Championship game in 1972. After graduating from Leon High School, Steve attended the Airforce Academy as an athletic recruit. He returned to Florida State University. He was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he was fondly called “Watch Bear” or “Sugar Bear”.
He graduated from the Florida State School of Business 1978 with a Bachelor’s of Science in both Economics and Finance.
He joined The Budd Company in Detroit Michigan in 1978 in their executive training program. During which he lived and worked in Ashland, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Frankfurt Ohio.
In 1987 Steve met the love of his life in Frankfort, Ohio. He was eventually transferred to Johnson City, Tennessee. In July 1988 Steve and Tobie were married in the Church of God in Johnson City.
He went on to have a successful career in production management at several different companies, maintaining executive level positions in New Albany Indiana – Greenwood, Indiana – settling in Joplin, Missouri in 2007.
Steve retired from Gulf Coast Tank and Construction in 2015.
On June 10, 2010, he received a kidney transplant from his sister Suzanne. This allowed him to survive an additional 11 years. During that time, he was able to participate in the induction ceremony of his son into Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Pittsburg University in 2012, witness his son graduate with a Master of Architecture from Drury University in 2015, and attend his son’s engagement party to Catherine Howe on April 16, 2021.
Steve was an adamant and unwavering fan of the Green Bay Packers, Florida State Seminoles, and Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed good movies new and old. Steve passed on a love for dogs and all living things to his son. Many dogs lived full, happy lives at his side.
He will always be remembered as a kind man of integrity, peace, and joy. Until his final hour, he carried an air of perseverance and faith.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Diabetes Association or St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
There will be a celebration of life in Tallahassee, Florida on October 9, 2021. For additional information please contact Colton Connor at cconnor002@gmail.com.
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