David Wynn Conner

David Wynn Conner, 75, of Dietrich Idaho, passed away on February 25, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends. Born July 11, 1949, to Thomas “Wid” Conner and Edna Belle Conner. 

David attended Shoshone High School and graduated in 1967. He worked on the Union Pacific Railroad for several years before being drafted into the United States Army in 1969. He received his college degree in electronics from Allen Hancock College in 1978. David also attended the College of Southern Idaho, Western Wyoming College, and earned his certification in radio communication and was an FAA certified tower controller. 

David proudly served as an Air Traffic Controller at the rank of Sargent in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Among his many achievements, David received the ‘Meritorious Service Medal’ for outstanding service or achievement, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Campaign Medal. Known by his fellow army soldiers as a hero, David showed great fortitude by his commitment to ensuring communication during numerous airstrikes and attempts by the enemy to overtake their position. He saved many lives by guiding damaged aircraft back to their base. David loved his time spent in the military and loved having had the opportunity to serve his country.

David met his partner for life, Colleen Meeks, shortly after returning from Vietnam on the fourth of July 1973 in Green River Wyoming. After a whirlwind romance the two married in February of 1974 in Mountain View, Wyoming. David and Colleen ventured around the west living in Wyoming, Utah, and California before settling down in 1982 to raise their family in Dietrich, Idaho. David and Colleen have resided in Dietrich since and have shared a loving friendship and marriage for 51 years. 

Professionally, David worked as an Instrumentation and electrical professional focused on design, construction, and commissioning of facilities. He was very proud of the fact that his sons followed in his footsteps, taking great pleasure in not only being their mentor but being a best friend to them all. David was known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence. His work ethic and expertise were unsurpassed, which earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike. David had a knack for being able to fix anything and was known as ‘Mr. Fix it’ to most everyone who knew him. He was a great resource to friends, family, and the community when the need arose. He served as Councilman on the Dietrich Town Council and as an EMT for the Dietrich QRU for several years.

Beyond his career, David loved his family more than anything else. He was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. His time spent with his family was the single most important aspect of his life. Some of David most cherished times were camping trips with Colleen and the many adventures they took on their side by side. Among his many passions, horses came only second to his family and friends. David was introduced to the world of horses by his father at a very early age, which remained a constant source of joy throughout his life. David continued to raise, train, and ride horses with his daughter Miriah over the years. The two of them enjoyed time with close friends riding through some of Idaho’s most majestic landscapes. David found peace and fulfillment in life within the company of his family, friends, and horses.

David was preceded in death by his father, Thomas “Wid” Conner; mother, Edna Conner; father- in-law, Jack Meeks; and mother-in-law, Esther Meeks. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Colleen Conner; their children, Joshua (Erin) Conner, Nicholas (Melissa) Conner, Miriah (Roy) Graybill, and Joel (Patricia) Conner; nine cherished grandchildren; and sister, Candice Conner.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 am, Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Lincoln County Community Center, 201 S Beverly St, Shoshone, Idaho. Graveside service with military honors will follow at the Shoshone Cemetery. Family and friends are invited back to the community center to attend the reception and share loving memories and stories.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on David’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.