John David Conley, known by many as John or Dave, entered this world on October 16, 1937, in Rogersville, Missouri, and passed on June 25, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. 

He was the beloved son of Irl and Leota Conley. He attended grade school and completed high school in Fordland, Missouri, where he helped on the family farm. He enjoyed playing fastpitch softball, basketball, and running track during his high school years. After graduating high school in 1956, he began work at MFA Packing, after some time he worked as a funeral assistant before he started a career at Dayco manufacturing rubber products.

In November 1958, he married Erma Jean Hampton and was married for nearly 39 years before her passing. They had one son, David Earl Conley. Dave enjoyed quail hunting with his faithful dog Rusty, travelling, gardening, westerns, and attending the musical events of their son. Dave was an active member of the United Rubber and Steel Workers Union. After the passing of his wife, Erma Jean Conley in 1998, Dave remarried. In February 2000, Dave married Mildred Carol Conley. Upon that marriage, Dave’s family expanded to include step-son Wes Sparrow and his wife, Wendy. After 37 years of hard work and dedication, John retired from Dayco in 2001, and in his early retirement years he enjoyed travelling with his wife Carol, with his favorite trip being to Alaska, volunteering at Grand Oaks, and having the company of family and friends. 

Dave was a member of South Haven Baptist Church where he attended services, enjoyed Sunday School, and volunteered at church events. Dave especially enjoyed attending the extra-curricular events, whether sports, music, or arts, of his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dave rarely turned down an offer of a cup of coffee or a sweet treat. Those who knew Dave will remember him as a kind, humble, and gentle person. He genuinely enjoyed meeting new people and learning new things. His warm presence, quiet kindness, and grateful heart made him a blessing to family and friends.

John David Conley is preceded in death by his wife, Erma Jean Conley, brother, Dee Conley, and parents Irl and Leota Conley. 

He is survived by wife Mildred Carol Conley, son David Conley (wife Ellen), step-son Wes Sparrow (wife Wendy), sister Norma Russell, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the employees at Lakewood Memory Care. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s memory to South Haven Baptist Church are appreciated. https://www.south-haven.org/