Eddie Lee Connor, Sr.

Eddie Lee Connor passed away on October 10, 2023 at Saint Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.

He was born on December 14, 1939 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Ray Charles and Elnora (Cherry) Connor.

After moving from Lawton, OK., Eddie’s family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he grew to maturity and graduated from Phoenix Union High School with a diploma.  He won three state football championships as a running back.

Eddie attended Phoenix Junior College and became the head of the Journalism department (Associates Degree).

He held the position as a Public Information Officer in the United States Army, during the start of the Vietnam War, leaving with an honorable discharge.

Upon returning from his military service, he married Shirley Jean Evans in 1965. He became a Deputy Sheriff for the Phoenix Sheriff Department briefly, while attending Arizona State University, graduating with a BA, and MA degree in (English, Journalism).  He attained the Phoenix Press Box Award in 1969 and taught these aforementioned subjects, while working within the Phoenix Union public school system from 1968-1970.

Between 1970 through 1975, Eddie Connor transferred to Kansas City, working for the Connecticut General Life Insurance company, as one of five black nationally known financial estate planners and eventually became a District Manager.  By 1975, he became employed with the Kansas City, Missouri School District teaching English, Philosophy and ROTC throughout his tenure. He coached basketball, football and track as well.  He received several teaching awards including Teacher of the Year, Perfect Attendance award from 1982 through 1995.  According to the 2010 Arizona State University, (ASU), alumni and the 1998 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, he retired as the Dean of Students at Northeast High School in 2005, after serving 30 years of dedication to the Kansas City, Missouri public education system.

Eddie enjoyed playing chess on Fridays at Gates Barbeque at 12th & Brooklyn with other professional men, bowling, dominoes and fishing in his spare time.

Eddie dedicated his life to Christ at an early age. He was a member and deacon of Christ’s Church of the Jesus Hour, under the pastorship of Russell W. Davis. He and his wife became members of the Kansas City, Kansas chapter of Gideons International in order to help spread the word of God and reaching souls for Christ. Eddie and Shirley would later join Hillview Church of God, pastored by Dexter White, where he served on the church board.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Charles and Elnora (Cherry) Connor, his brother, Ray Charles Connor Jr., and his sisters Ruthann Liggins, Billie Jean Devorce, Verdie Mae Foreman, son, Eddie Connor Jr. (Donna) and daughter, Kelly Michele Connor-Wilson (Shawn). 

Eddie is survived by his spouse Shirley Jean Connor of Kansas City, KS.; his daughters Jacqueline Jones (Rickey) of Houston, Texas, Melody Connor, El Cerrito, California and son, Quint Connor (Millicent) of Raytown, MO, sisters Deborah Fennell and Ellen Allen of Las Vegas, Nevada, grandchildren Janelle Plummer (Jamar), Barbara Pickering (Andre), Eddie Connor III (Ayanna), Daniel Connor Sr., Kevin Quint Connor, Kyle Austin Connor, Christopher Isaiah Connor, Solomon Xavier Wilson, Shameka Johnson (Derrick), Ricky Jones Jr., Stephanie Jones and seven great grandchildren. He had a host of nieces, nephews and close friends.

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