Patrick Michael "Mike" Conn

Patrick Michael “Mike” Conn
Patrick Michael “Mike” Conn, 77, passed away on December 1, 2018.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 20, 2019, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange, under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home. Officiating will be Mike Umbenhaur of First Presbyterian Church of Orange.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, on December 10, 1941, he was the son of James “Jimmy” Kirby Conn and Helen “Inez” Conn. Mike was a native of Orange, Texas. He attended Lutcher Stark High School, and graduated in 1960. He was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, but graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in finance. After receiving his Master’s Degree in finance at Stephen F. Austin, where he also taught, he taught at the University of Arkansas, where he received his PhD in finance.

Mike was a talented musician. He played several instruments, and arranged and composed music for jazz bands and ensembles at Stephen F. Austin. He was extremely creative, and entered into his own business, Mike Conn Advertising, creating well known television ads for the Golden Triangle.

One of Mike’s biggest accomplishments was earning a CASA Volunteer of the Year Award for his work with child advocacy and helping the courts make decisions based on the welfare of children.

Mike also enjoyed writing short stories centered around the characters, animals, and people with whom he was acquainted, always showcasing his sense of humor and bright mind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Helen “Inez” Conn.

He is survived by his daughter, Mitzi Conway and husband George “Tony” of Wilson, North Carolina.