Clarence Conoley

Clarence A. Conoley, 90, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 30, 2017. He was surrounded by family. Clarence was born at his family’s home in Independence, MO, on January 12, 1927. He was the son of Robert and Pearl Conoley and the fourth of six children.

Preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Clarence is survived by his wife of 67 years, Grace Sue (Kettner), and his three children: Rebecca (Scott) Harman of Rockwall, TX, Conrad (Becky Pedersen) of Overland Park, Thomas (Jaclyn) of Olathe, 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Clarence was a lifelong resident of the metropolitan Kansas City area. He graduated from William Chrisman High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a law degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. It was the accommodations extended to returning veterans by the University that enabled Clarence to pursue the law degree. Coming from his humble background, Clarence was honored when he became an attorney, he felt a sacred duty to the law.

Upon graduation from law school, Clarence was hired into the legal department of Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company where he continued to work until his retirement as a senior attorney. He found his work at Panhandle very rewarding and it allowed him to travel throughout North America and deal with international issues while working on his various assignments. He spent a lot of time with geologists and geology became an intellectual pastime.

During World War II, Clarence served in the United States Army and earned the rank of Sargent. He served in South Korea. Because of his age, Clarence entered military service late in the war and felt like his contributions were irrelevant compared to those who served before him.

Although his work with the law was very important to him, Clarence held his family most dear. He maintained to his death that he had been a very lucky man for he had married “the love of his life” and not only loved his children, but also liked and respected them. Despite being abandoned during the depression by his father and having no father figure in his life, he was an amazing father. He took the time to teach his children life skills, helped with homework, went to his children’s activities, and was ALWAYS willing to stop what he was doing and listen. He was the father that took his children to the drive-in theater with as many of their friends as he could get into the station wagon.

Clarence was also devoted to his siblings. While growing up in poverty, Clarence and his siblings were incredibly close and stayed that way throughout their lifetimes. They set a fine example for their children and grandchildren as to what an extended family should be, always caring, always helping. It broke his heart when his siblings died, but he so enjoyed visiting and being visited by the next generation.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Clarence Alma Conoley was his strong moral compass and the example he set for those willing to look and follow. He led by example, and a very quiet example at that. He taught his children honesty, kindness, and that when success was achieved it was time to extend a hand and pull someone up with you. He taught bullying, discrimination, and hypocrisy were things to avoid in their own behavior and not to tolerate, much less participate in when encountered in the world.

Although he would be the first to say he was most imperfect, his family found him remarkable. There are not enough words in the English language to express how much he was loved and how much he will be missed.

A celebration of Clarence Conoley’s life will be held on Saturday, February 18, between 12:30PM-2:30PM, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brookdale Hospice, 5401 College Blvd., Ste. 112, Overland Park, Kansas 66212. The family would like to acknowledge the fine work Hospice did in enriching Clarence’s final months and what a comfort they were to the family in his final days.