Marvin G. Conner

Marvin Glen Conner passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 19, 2018. Marvin had health setbacks in 1993 and again in 2003 with a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer. After beating cancer twice, Marvin ultimately succumbed to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He was born 1936 and was raised in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ruth Newsome and Fred R. Conner, his brothers James Conner, David Newsome Conner and his best friend and hunting buddy Dave Gelfer.

Marvin is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Mellena Hardee Conner, his daughter, Elizabeth (Pat, Jr.) Pace; his sons, William Marvin (Sheri) Conner and Michael Dean (Andrea) Conner, his grandchildren, Allison Love Pace, Courtney Lee Conner, Cole Michael Conner, Patrick Conner Pace, Austin Lang Conner and Camryn Leah Conner, his nephew Mike (Carolyn) Conner and many nieces and nephews. He also considered his Sea Garden Sales/SGS Industrial Team as his second family where Marvin had the honor of working with his colleagues for over 55 years.

During his youth Marvin, was an avid athlete excelling in football and track and field at Fernandina Beach High School and Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. Marvin then served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he joined his father in-law, William Love Hardee in the marine and industrial supply business. During these professional years, he oversaw Sea Garden Sales Company (SGS Industrial), Bayside Net and Twine, Southern Shipbuilding, and was a partner in Valley Ice and Fuel Company. He was later joined by his two sons in the family business.

Marvin, known for his time, energy and resources, was active in the community. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as both Elder and Deacon. Marvin served on the Board of Directors for Wells Fargo Bank (First National Bank) for 25 years. He served on the National Fisheries Association, Texas Shrimp Association, National Netting Association and had numerous other professional affiliations. He participated in many civic organizations including the Saint Joseph Academy Advisory Board, St. Joseph Academy Athletic Boosters, the Episcopal Day School Board, the Brownsville Jaycees, Brownsville Economic Development Council, Valley Baptist Hospital Board and the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.

He was always known for his positive attitude and determination to get up and make every day a good one. He loved attending his grandchildren's games, meets, recitals and performances. He was especially a great fan of St. Joseph Academy football. Marvin was an avid outdoorsman enjoying golf, hunting, fishing and back yard birding. He loved the beaches of Amelia Island, South Padre Island, the ranchlands of South Texas, the Texas Hill Country and the mountains of Colorado. More importantly, he was deeply blessed with many wonderful friends of all ages. He looked forward to his lunch bunches, breakfast clubs and the comradery of many wonderful friends.

The Conner Family wishes to express their deepest thanks to the care given to him throughout the years. The doctors, nurses and staff of the Valley Baptist Health Care System, South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, Solara Hospital and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The family is eternally grateful for the years of care from Dr. Juan Martinez, Dr. Jorge Romaguera, Dr. Fadi Alfayoumi and the Benchmark Pulmonary Team. The family also wishes to thank Maria Mendoza and Hermangildo Mendez for their years of devotion.

Services for Marvin Conner have been entrusted to the Darling Mouser Funeral Home. A celebration of life will take place at the First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 24 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Brownsville or Saint Joseph Academy.

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