Robert Conley (Veteran)

Robert Eugene Conley, 77, of Westphalia, died Sunday, November 21, 2010, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born October 31, 1933, in Montgomery City, Missouri, the son of Eugene and Eula (Sublett) Conley. He was a 1952 graduate of Montgomery City High School. Bob served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, where he was trained as a helicopter mechanic. Following his military service, he attended the University of Missouri - Columbia, where he served as president of the Industrial Art Club for one year and in 1960, he earned a B.S. in Industrial Education. Bob started the Industrial Arts Program at Fatima High School and Blair Oaks High School. He taught at Fatima from 1960-1968 and at Blair Oaks from 1968-1985. He then returned to Fatima in 1985, and taught until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia. Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, woodworking, gardening, flowers, reading, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou football and basketball and spending time with his family and friends. On May 30, 1964, Bob was united in marriage in Rich Fountain to Kathleen Rose Krieg, who survives at their home. Other survivors include six children: Vonna Kesel (Mark) of St. Elizabeth, Ron Conley (Carla) of Holts Summit, Kevin Conley of Westphalia, Mark Conley (Paula) of Linn, Vickie Dickneite (Andre) of Westphalia, Dave Conley (Melissa) of Westphalia; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Eula Conley; two sisters, Joan Ellis and his twin, Roberta Weelan; and two brothers-in-law, Warren Ellis and Duane Wheelan. Friends will be received from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Hilke-Millard Funeral Home, Westphalia, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Smith officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the St. Joseph Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HILKE-MILLARD Funeral Home, 101 Linn St., (573) 455-2424. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com