Thomas Adam Conner

October 19, 1946 – September 3, 2020

Thomas “Tom” Conner gained his heavenly wings in the early morning hours of September 3,
2020. He was the first of seven born to Albert and Maydell Conner on October 19, 1946 in
Jennings, Louisiana. His family lived in Lake Arthur when he was a child. Tom attended Lake
Arthur Elementary school then after that he attended St. Maria Goretti until his eighth-grade year
when the family moved to Lake Charles. Tom was a 1965 graduate of LaGrange High School,
where he proudly played the trombone in the Gator Band.

After high school graduation Tom joined the United States Army. Tom was a Vietnam Veteran
having served in the Army from 1966 to 1968 being stationed state side during the conflict in Ft.
McClellan, Alabama. Once Tom’s tour was complete he moved to Westlake, LA and shortly
thereafter began his career at PPG Industries in 1969.

Tom started at PPG as an electrical apprentice where later he was awarded “Apprentice of the
Year”. During Tom’s tenure at PPG he would become a member of the Apprenticeship
committee as well as serving as president during his time on the committee. Tom was a Dale
Carnegie graduate who would later become a leader of these classes at PPG. He was very proud
of being a Dale Carnegie leader. Tom became a maintenance supervisor in 1979 and retired in
2014 after 45 years of service. At the time of his retirement he was as an Electrical/Instrument
supervisor. Those who worked for Tom and with Tom loved, admired and respected him. This
was because Tom lived by the “Golden Rule”, he treated everyone like he wanted to be treated.
He was loyal, honest, caring and above all fair.

Tom was a founding member of the PPG Employees Credit Union, (now SWLA Credit Union)
when it was just a one office metal guard shack located inside the plant. As a credit union
member, Tom served on various committees before he was elected to the Board of Directors.
While on the board, Tom served several times as board president. He saw the credit union
through good times and tough economic times—but always made sure the credit union was there
for its members. During Tom's time on the board, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union steadily
grew into one of the largest credit unions in the area. In 2017 Tom was named to the Louisiana
Credit Union Hall of Fame for being the longest serving elected credit union President in the
state.

Tom was a caring and loving husband, sibling, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was
very proud of his children and grandchildren and immensely supportive of all of their extra-
curricular activities. He attended every basketball, softball, baseball, football, dance recital and
band concert. All you had to do was look up in the stands and there he was smiling and yelling
the loudest. He loved every moment of showing his support.
Tom was a gentle and patient soul and if you knew Tom, then you loved Tom. He had a heart of
gold and was always there to lend a helping hand. He loved life and he lived his to the fullest.
Tom’s zest for life was contagious and we are all better people for having had Tom in our life.
He will be missed beyond measure, but we can all rejoice in the knowledge that he is whole
again and living his best life in heavens above.

Tom is proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Theresa Courmier, grandsons Conner Mier
and Christopher Boudreaux.

Tom is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dorothy Bradshaw Conner, children Michael Conner,
Heather Conner Fontenot, Trisha Mier and Chris, Jacqui Elliott and Jason, Bridget Boudreaux
and Scott and Brandi Felice and Eric, three brothers, Keith Conner and Carol, Leonard Conner
and Marilyn, Kenneth Conner and Marybeth, two sisters, Sharon Gaspard and John and DeJuana
Bellow and Ron. Grandchildren Hanna Walker, Gabrielle Barnes, Jessica Elliott, Jillian Elliott,
Caleb Coberly and Morgan, Branson Coberly, Virginia Coberly, Porter Felice, Carter Felice,
Macy Mier Fontenot and Cody, Benjamin Boudreaux, Andrew Boudreaux and Julianna
Boudreaux. Great-Grandchildren Conner Coberly, Haven Coberly, Parker Fontenot, London
Fontenot and Evelyn Coberly. Half-brother, Burt LeBleu.

Funeral Mass for Thomas will be on Saturday March 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Interment will
follow immediately after mass at Westlake Memorial Park Cemetery on Fletcher Road.