Paul James Conner

Paul James Conner, 77, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital after a period of declining health.

Born October 23, 1941, in Casper, Wyo., he was one of five sons of Sylvester "Bill" and Helen (Neigh) Conner. The family moved to Thermopolis where Paul began school and graduated in 1959 excelling in wrestling and also played football. In July he joined the Navy serving in San Diego, California and transferred to the reserves in 1962.

For most of his life he was employed in the oil field for Amoco Pipeline. He retired in 1998. On December 5, 1972 he married Irene Baker Cape in Thermopolis.

Paul was a member of the Eagles and was Exalted Ruler of the Elks BPOE 1746. For many years he was a boxing coach. His interests were fishing, especially in Canada; gardening, old cars and participating in the annual Demolition Derby.

He is survived by his wife, Irene, of 46 years of Thermopolis; son, Michael (Carolyn), of Thermopolis; stepson, Dennis (T.J.) Cape of Coalstrip, Mont.; stepdaughters, Shelly (Ron) Kennedy of Mandeville, La., and Lorena (Lynn) Holland, Naples, Fla.; two grandchildren; numerous step grand and great-grandchildren; brothers, Neil (Shay) of Thermopolis and Mike (Kathy) of Grand Junction, Colo., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Susan Sheridan Conner; brothers, Bill, Jr and Ralph; and daughter-in-law, Angel Conner.

Memorial services will be held in the early summer. Memorials may be made to T-Town Cancer Crusaders, 441 Lane 12 or the Hot Springs Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 545, Thermopolis, 82443 .

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online messages may be offered at mortfh.com.