John Dallas "J.D." Connors , age 78 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 at Richard Roudebush V.A. Medical Center in Indianapolis after a good, well-lived life.  He was born Nov. 22, 1945 in Elwood, the son of William and Jean (Murphy) Connors.  J.D. was a 1964 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood before serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in 1973.  He married Linda H. Gray on May 10, 1969, and they shared over 54 years of marriage together.  J.D. was the owner of a medical consulting company in Elwood for many years and later a real estate investor and manager until he retired in 2018.

J.D. was a baseball player in his youth and had several records as a pitcher.  He played in the Elwood Little League program in its first year of formation.  His love of baseball continued as he treasured watching his grandchildren on their teams in recent years.  J.D. was friendly with everyone he met, and he had a great sense of humor.  He was a former member of the Elwood Elks Lodge and the Elwood Country Club, and he enjoyed golfing.  J.D. also enjoyed boating at Mississinewa Reservoir, traveling in his motor home, and extended spring-break trips to Florida for many years.  He especially enjoyed making property renovations at his home and spending time with all his family.

J.D.'s family includes his wife, Linda Connors of Elwood; daughter, Julie (Jeremy) Phifer of Carmel; 2 grandchildren, Colin Phifer and Dylan Phifer; brother-in-law, Ed John of Elwood; 2 nephews, Matt John and Kent John; niece, Anne (Alan) Gill; and many extended family members.  J.D. was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol Ann John.

A funeral service celebrating J.D.'s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow the funeral in Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Elwood and will include military honors by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Elwood V.F.W. honor guard.  Visitation will be held from 12 to 2 pm prior to the funeral on Friday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Little League baseball program.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.