Donald Cecil Conner, age 76, died July 17, 2017 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS surrounded by his family and friends.

Donald was born on February 21, 1941 at home in Millport, AL.  He was the youngest child of Henry Barton Conner and Annie Lou (Leonard) Conner.

Donald joined the United States Marine Corps in April of 1966 and graduated from Camp Lejeune, Paris Island, South Carolina that May.  Donald was injured during training while serving as a Private First Class during the Vietnam War.  Having faithfully and honorable served his country, Donald was retired from the United States Marine Corps on the first day of November 1972.

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Tom Bevill, a fifteen-term U.S. congressman, appointed Donald to the position of Post Master of the Millport Post Office where he faithfully served for 31 years.  He retired from the United States Postal Service in June of 2003.  Soon after his appointment as post master, Donald was tasked with overseeing the construction and opening of the new post office building in Millport.  Opening this new office was a source of great pride for Donald and the town of Millport.

Donald married the former Barbara Gail Wiggins of Kennedy, AL on April 2, 1961.  They had one son, Gregory Don Conner.  Donald had one granddaughter, Jordan Brooke Conner, who he named and one step-grandson, Michael Tedford.

Donald always put family first and was proud to be a civil servant for the people of Millport.  Donald served on the deacon board at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, he member of the American Legion and Masons.  He was an avid sports fan that enjoyed all sports.  He was especially proud of his hometown team, the former Millport Jr. Tide and the South Lamar Stallions.   He enjoyed being outside.  He could often be found rooting a new sprig from a tree cutting, tending to his tomato plants or watching his humming birds.  But his favorite pastime was spending time with Jordan.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara; one son, Greg Conner (Sarah Mills); one granddaughter, Jordan Brooke Conner; one step-grandson, Michael Tedford, all of Jasper, AL; and a sister Joyce Marie (Conner) Bobbitt of Millport.  He is preceded in death by his father, Henry Barton Conner; and mother, Annie Lou (Leonard) Conner.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on July 19, 2017 at Dowdle Funeral Home in Millport, AL.  Funeral services will be held on July 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm also at Dowdle with burial following at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Millport, AL.