Cleston Conner

       Carlie Cleston Conner, 90, of Carmi, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Wabash Christian Village in Carmi. He was born on October 7, 1932, in Livingston, Tennessee, the son of Oscar Lawrence and Ovie J. (Harvey) Conner. Cleston married Emma Grace Tuggle on March 22, 1954, and she survives. He worked as an electrician at ProForm until retirement. Cleston proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of Georgia General Baptist Church. Cleston was also a member of the Carmi American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution and the Descendants of Valley Forge. He enjoyed playing guitar, fishing, boating, bowling and genealogy. Cleston loved taking care of his yard, mowing, working in his flower garden and enjoyed watching birds in his Purple Martin Houses. 

     In addition to his his wife, Emma Conner of Carmi, IL, Cleston is survived by his children, Richard (Edu) Conner of Killeen TX, Debbie Hoskins of Norris City, IL, and Glenda (Don) Russell of Kempner TX; grandchildren, Chris Conner, Donnie (Kristin) Russell, Joey Russell, Mike (Ronna) Eyman, Jheremia Conner, and Christen Conner; great-grandchildren, Liam Conner, Phillip Russell and Belle Russell; siblings, Jerry Conner of Carmi, IL. and Kenny (Becky) Conner of Carmi, IL; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two siblings, Bettie Lou Conner and Bobbie Ray Conner; and a son-in-law, Keith Hoskins.

     Funeral services for Cleston Conner will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, with burial at North Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi. Full military rites will be provided by the Carmi VFW, American Legion and the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Team. Family and friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is in charge of arrangements.