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Obituary for Glenn A. Conus
Glenn A. Conus, 69, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 18, 2016, at Highland Cemetery.Glenn was born on Sunday, February 2, 1947, in Ottawa, the son of Arthur Abbott and Alberta Bell (Peters) Conus. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1965. He continued his education at Fort Scott Community College. Glenn enlisted in the United… States Navy Air Division serving from 1966 to 1969. He served stateside and also in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier. He obtained the rank of AMS3, Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class. Glenn was united in marriage with Barbara Kay Warner May 20, 1972, in Ottawa. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his four children, Chad Conus of Ottawa, Andrea Conus and husband Darrell Chandley of Baldwin City, Brian Conus of Ottawa, and Matthew Conus also of Ottawa; and four grandchildren, Tyler Conus, Ariah Bueno, Alex Conus, and Kaysen Chandley. He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Kylen Conus. Glenn was employed with Ottawa Millwork Company as a laborer. In 1976, he began working for UPS as a driver in Ottawa, retiring in 2001.He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, longtime member of Over the Road Gang, and Teamsters Local 696 Topeka. Glenn loved 1940 Fords and bought his first one in high school. He owned several unrestored cars and many, many parts. He was a collector of pieces, but never owned a finished show car. The family suggests memorial contributions to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Glenn’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com
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Bill Bellefeuille
Better Than the Day of Birth?
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. — Ecclesiastes 7:1
As anyone who has lost a loved one knows, the pain of losing a close relative comes no matter how long that person might have lived. The group that assembled for the funeral was solemn and tearful. Yet, let me begin with the following verse from Ecclesiastes: “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.”
I have no doubt that the day that the departed had been born was a joyful one. I you look around at the faces of the mourners, it is clear that the present day is a sad one. So what did King Solomon mean when he said that the day of death is better than the day of birth?
Here is a parable to illustrate the idea.
A brand new ship was being set off to sea for the very first time. A group of people gathered to send the ship off with great joy. At the same time, an older ship was returning from its final journey. That ship was old and worn, ready to be retired upon its return. While everyone else was cheering on the new ship, only one man happily greeted the old ship.
The others asked the man why he was more excited about the old ship that would soon be a heap of junk than the new one on its maiden voyage. The man explained that when a ship begins its journey at sea its future is unknown. Pirates might overtake it, or it could sink in the middle of the sea. Whether or not the vessel would complete its mission was beyond anyone’s guess. However, when an old ship arrives from sea having successfully completed its mission, then all doubts are removed. The ship was successful and that is reason to be joyful.
So, too, when a person is born, we do not know how the person will turn out. But if they have lived a good life, remaining faithful to the Lord, then when their life is complete we can rejoice and be comforted in their successful mission even in the midst of our sorrow and grief.
Let us remember that as long as we live we are like a ship at sea. It’s up to us to keep the ship on course and to fulfill our respective missions.
Allen Pratt
Glen was a great guy. It.s wonderful that he had such a large, loving family. I pray that his famly will be comforted and strengthened through out this season of mourning. God bless and keep you.