Conner, Elmer (Dale)

Elmer (Dale) Conner, 72, of Christiansburg, went to be with Our Lord on Friday, November 11, 2011, following a brave battle with cancer. Born September 21, 1939, in Giatto, W.Va., he was the son of Gracie Conner of Radford and the late Elmer “Eli” Conner. Dale grew up in Giatto, where his father taught him to love the game of baseball. An avid player, he continued his play internationally while serving his country. Dale proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, Honorably Discharged in 1963. He worked for Watkins Trucking in North Carolina and volunteered his time to care for local children. He was a former member of Maple View Church of Christ in Bluefield and avid W.Va. Mountaineer fan. During recent years, he relocated to Virginia to care for his loving parents. Dale was preceded in death by his father and sister, Jeanie Conner Miano. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Nancy Conner of Christiansburg; son, Troy Lee Conner Malone of Tennessee; daughter, Debra Anne Conner Shannon of Florida; stepsons, David Wayne Sowers of Virginia, and Jerry Michael Pettrey of New Mexico; and nieces and nephews, Anthony Miano, Gina Miano, Marc Miano, and Michelle Miano Valentine. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2011, at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with the Rev. Tony Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The W.Va. National Guard Honor Guard and the Mercer County Veterans Council will conduct military graveside rites. Friends may call at the funeral home from Noon until the service hour Monday. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.seaverfuneral service.com. The Conner family is being served by Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton.