Military graveside honors for Tom Mack Connor, age 89, of Emory, TX will be conducted at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 2, 2024 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Texarkana, TX.
Tom passed away at home on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Tom was born on July 23rd, 1934 in Winnsboro, TX, the son of Paul Connor and Bessie Rowden Connor. After graduating from High school, Tom attended Texas A & M University and studied engineering. At that time all students were required to join the ROTC program. During the summer, Tom served as an aide to his uncle, Congressman Wright Patman. After graduating in May of 1957 from Texas A & M with his Mechanical Engineering degree, he accepted his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. Tom married Bonnie Ruth Bishop on August 14, 1957 in Texarkana, TX. Tom’s first duty station was in Stillwater, Oklahoma where he entered and completed the graduate school of Meteorology at Oklahoma State University. His next duty was in St. Claire Michigan as a meteorologist for the Air Force base. He and Bonnie lived there for three years and couldn’t wait to get back to TX. After completing active duty in 1960, Tom and Bonnie moved to Beaumont where Tom was employed by Mobil Refinery for 37 years. During this time, Tom also earned his Professional Engineering license. Upon retirement, Tom and Bonnie moved to their dream ( fishing & hunting)home on Lake Fork in 1994.
Tom is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughter Kimberley Connor Premo, grandsons, Mack Dean Premo and Jack Patrick Premo, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and sister in law,Jo Ann Davidson. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; O.T. Connor, J.P. “Pat” Connor, sisters; Pauline Wyatt and Darline Cigainero.
