Edward O'Conner
September 24, 1939 — January 20, 2009
SFC Edward Lee OConner, U.S. Army, Retired, was born in Gunnison, Mississippi, and passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. He was preceded in death by Deborah Lynn O'Conner, Helen Lee O'Conner, Peggy May and Bobby O'Conner. He is survived by Fay O'Conner; daughters, Gayle McLeroy & husband, Wade and Angela O'Conner; grandchildren, Amber Nicole Peterson, Wade Nathan McLeroy, Jr., Beau Allen Garrett, Sean Edward McLeroy and Erin Theresia McLeroy; sister, Linda Smith and many other relatives and dear friends. Edward was the oldest of four children and was affectionately called Sonnie by his friends and family growing up. He joined the Army at the age of 16 and proudly served three tours in the Vietnam War. While in the Army he was also stationed in Germany, Ft. Hood, Washington D.C., and San Antonio. While on leave from Ft. Hood. Ed met Fay Shockley in June of 1964 in West Helena, Arkansas. They were married in July of 1964 and during their marriage they had two surviving daughters Gayle and Angela. To say the least, they were a military family. Ed started out his career in the Army as a cook but he quickly got assigned to the military police. Once involved with the M.P.'s, he became an investigator and worked predominately in undercover assignments. Ed spent over 20 years in the Army and once he retired he became involved in the coin, stamp and jewelry business. He was the owner of Randolph Coin & Stamp located on Pat Booker Rd. in the 1980's. Ed eventually returned to law enfrocement and investigation work. He obtained his private investigators license and worked for various security companies. Bass Tournament Fishing was a huge part of his life along with league bowling, antiquing, garage-sale shopping and watching classic western movies. His greatest love of all though, were his grandchildren. Papa, as he was called by them, would frequently attend athletic and school activities as well as "baby-sit" his grandchildren. It was not unusual for Papa to have all five of his grandchildren at his house for the weekend and he rarely turned down a request to watch them. Edward Lee O'Conner was loved dearly by his family (especially by his daughters) and the many friends he made throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all. Visitation will be held from 5-9 PM on Monday, January 26, 2009 at Schertz Funeral Home. Graveside Services, with full military honors, will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
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