Charles Conner, Jr.

Colonel Charles “Chuck” Conner, Jr., age 95, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 15, 1929, in Toledo to Charles and Dora (Hannenkath) Conner and later married his wife and guiding light, Charlotte (Izaguirre) Conner, who helped him through all things, especially in the military.

Chuck was raised by his mother and grandmother where he eagerly jumped into the work force at the age of 13, first as a runner for the milk man where he progressed to selling Toledo Blade newspapers and was an usher for Paramount Theatre. He graduated from Woodward High School in 1947 at the age of 17.

After graduation in 1947, he began two careers with the Toledo Blade and the Ohio National Guard 37th Division, attaining the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. At the Blade, he started work as an office boy in the accounting department and worked his way up to be an Executive in the advertising department, retiring after a 45 year long career.

Shortly after starting both jobs, he left the Ohio National Guard after 3 years because he was drafted into the U.S. Army infantry as PVT-E-1, beginning active duty in 1951. Chuck proudly served his country and was accepted into the 6-month long Officers Candidate School where he graduated as a 2nd LT in Fort Benning, GA, in 1952 and then was discharged as a 1st LT in 1954. From there he enlisted in the Ohio National Guard as a 1st LT in 1955 and retired in 1983 from the Ohio National Guard as a full Colonel. Chuck commanded two companies, two battalions, and the 371st Support Group. He graduated from infantry officer candidate school at Fort Benning, GA, Military Police Advanced School in Augusta, GA, the Nuclear and Biological Orientation Course, National Defense University Defense Strategy Course, and the U.S. Army Command and Central Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

At the time of his retirement, he commanded a brigade consisting of military units across 16 cities in the state of Ohio. He was conducted into the Infantry Officers Hall of Fame for the U.S. Army, as well as the Woodward High School Hall of Fame. Colonel Conner received many awards including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the prestigious United States of America Legion of Merit.

Chuck was a lifelong member of River View Yacht Club, a member of the American Legion, Old Newsboys, Raggdy’s, and 37th Division Ohio National Guard Association U.S. Army. He was also a member of the Retired Military Officers Association, the Veteran Motor Card Club, and the Washington Township Board of Appeals for many years.

His many accomplishments in life would not have been made possible without the support of his amazing wife, Charlotte. She always supported him in his career, military service, and even his spare time (which he often spent restoring cars and owning boats). His most prized possessions were his 1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible which required 5 years of his time and his 1955 17-foot Chris Craft Ski Boat. However, above all, Charlotte was the most compassionate, wonderful, daredevil of a wife for 44 years who he cherished the most as his soul mate. His family meant so much to him and profoundly changed him as a man.

Chuck is survived by his children, Greg (Patti) Conner, Deidre L. Conner, Jeffrey A. Conner, Wendy L. Conner; grandchildren, Joey Conner, Katie Hoffer, Correy Wagner, Roger Wagner, Becky Hand; and great-grandchildren, Westin Conner, Raven Wagner, Nina Hand; and many nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph (Hannah) Hannenkrath; parents, Charles (Dora) Conner; wife, Charlotte R. Conner; daughter in law, Eileen Conner.

Family and friends can support the family at Visitation on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2 pm to 8 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH. Funeral services will follow on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11 am at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (5240 Talmadge Rd). Condolences and flowers can be sent to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com, or a monetary donation can be made out to St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 5240 Talmadge Rd, in Chucks honor.