Earle Conner

Leslie Earle Conner, 78, Sugar Creek MO., passed away peacefully at his home July 28, 2015. A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. service on Saturday August 1st at St Marks Catholic Church in Independence on 3736 S. Lee's Summit Rd. Burial will be at Mound Grove Cemetery. Earle was born Dec. 18, 1936, in Independence, KS. His wife and best friend, Marjorie, of 53 years preceded him in death as well as three sisters and two brothers. He leaves behind his loving son Brian Conner (Buck) his loving wife Brenda (Ms. B) and his loving Granddaughter Blake (Mookie) of Lees Summit MO. Earle, the son of Daniel & Lucile Conner, dedicated his life to his family, his country, state and the community of Sugar Creek MO. He attended Independence High School in Independence KS and was a graduate of Central Missouri State University (CMU) with a degree in criminal justice administration. Served in the United States Naval Reserves for 8 years. Worked as a paper salesman for Butler Paper Co. from 1956 – 1967. Started working for the City of Sugar Creek in 1955 at the newly opened swimming pool as a life guard. Joined the police department in 1962 as a reserve police officer and municipal court clerk. Earle became a full time officer in 1967. He was elected chief in 1969 along with fire chief duties in 1988, 31 years as police chief and 12 years as fire chief. Earle Graduated from the F.B.I. Academy's 118th session in 1979. Played major roles in the forming the Kansas City Metropolitan Metro Squad and the Jackson County Drug Task Force during his 31 years of service. He was active in the following organizations associated with the city of Sugar Creek: Member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, past President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, past President of the Kansas City Area Metropolitan Police Chiefs and Sheriff's Association, Past Chairman, Board of Directors – Jackson County Drug Enforcement Task Force. President, Vice President, Secretary / Treasure of the Kansas-Western Missouri- F.B.I. National Academy Associates. The National Secretary Treasurer of the F.B.I. National Academy Graduates. Earle was named the Police Officer of the Year in 1981 by the Kansas City Metropolitan Police Chiefs and Sheriff's Association. Also received the Clarence M. Kelly Meritorious Service Award from the F.B.I. National Academy Associates in 2002. He also received the Citizen of the year award in 2004 from the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. After retiring in 2002 Earle purchased Binger Shaw Auctioneers and begun “Slinging Bids” Earle loved a good auction. Earle's Hobbies included Fishing at Bennett Springs Bass fishing at Pomme de Terre and El Salto in Mexico He loved spending time with his family and a good softball game. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to the Missouri Peace Officers Foundation Scholarship Fund at 618 SE 4th St. Lee's Summit, MO 64063 and Village Hospice at 1001 NW Chipman Road Lee's Summit MO 64081. A special thanks to Caregivers Celia Parker and Michelle McKeever. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)