Photo No. 2414

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John William Conley, 87, of Montgomery, TX was surrounded by family and friends in his last days and passed away January 17, 2019 after complications resulting from lung disease.

John was born June 21, 1931 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to James Henry and Ollie Ruth Guillot Conley. He attended grammar school in Melville, LA and went to high school in Leesville, LA, where he played football. After graduation in 1948, he attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute. In 1950, after the Korean War started, he joined the Navy and attended Aviation Electronics School in Memphis, Tennessee. He was assigned to a Jet Fighter Squadron on the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge as a First Class Aviation Electronic Technician operating off the coast of Korea. John was discharged from the Navy in 1954 and enrolled in LSU's Electrical Engineering College. He graduated from LSU with a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958 and remained a loyal Geaux Tigers fan all the days of his life. He was employed by Gulf States Utilities for 36 years and worked in all five divisions, Lake Charles, Beaumont, Baton Rouge, Port Arthur, and concluded his career as the Vice President of the Western Division headquartered in Conroe.

John married his college sweetheart and is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of 61 years. He is also survived by their four children Cathy Poulos, Judy Brown, John W. Conley, Jr (Jay), and Patrick Conley; sisters Jimmye Gowling and Connie Brinson; six grandchildren Chris Kimball, Candice English, Mary Adams, Regan and Courtney Conley, and Mackenzie Brown, and many precious great-grandchildren.

John played an active role in his community. He served on various boards and was involved in United Way, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and other civic organizations. In his retirement years he enjoyed the fellowship of his beloved coffee group, GSU luncheons, and church friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Henry and Ollie Ruth Guillot Conley, his sister Eleanor Spurlock, and brothers James Edward (Duke) and Joseph Henry Conley.

John will be remembered for his character, humor, unfailing optimism and his love of life, family, and friends. He often expressed that his life was truly blessed. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at Walden Community Church, 12400 Walden Road, Montgomery, TX 77356 on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walden Community Church or East West Ministries International, 2001 W. Plano Pkwy, Ste. 3000, Plano, TX 75075.