David Byron Conner, 94, of Grand Junction, Colorado, died Nov. 26, 2018. 

He was born to Doris Anderton Conner and William Abraham Conner on Dec. 17, 1923, in Gloucester Point.

After graduation from Achilles High School in 1942, he enlisted in the Army in February 1943. He was shipped to England as a tank commander and landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. He was wounded twice, receiving two Purple Hearts, but returned to active duty and served in General George Patton’s 6th Armored Division, Third Army, through France and the Ardennes Forest.

Upon his release from active duty after WWII, he enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Shortly before graduation he was recalled to active duty. He applied for and was accepted into Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in October 1951.

He retired from active duty at Fort Carson, Colorado, on July 31, 1970. During his years of service, he received many medals, including the Bronze Star, two Combat Infantryman’s Badges, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Carmen; sons, Eugene Conner of Gloucester, and David B. Conner Jr. of Homestead, Florida; daughter, Jansen King of St. Pauls, North Carolina; brothers, Edward Allmond Conner of Gloucester, and Gene Kinsel Conner of Marathon, Florida; sisters, Doris Courtney, Bessie Conner, and Patricia Morales of Gloucester Point, and Margaret Figgins of Winchester; eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Private inurnment will be at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, Grand Junction. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Revamp, Veterans Art Center, 307 South 12th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.