Obituary of Gordon Conger

Gordon Conger passed away peacefully at his home in Iola KS on May 5, 2019 at the age of 84.

Gordon is survived by his three children: Steve Conger of Iola, KS, Debra Keltner of Olathe, KS and Michelle Conger of Las Vegas, NV and the mother of his children, Catherine Conger of  Las Vegas, NV.  He is also survived by sister Carlene, brother David, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Since 1917, the Conger Family has been an integral part of Allen County. After attending KSU, and serving in the Air Force, he worked in several construction management positions before joining his parents, Mary and Carl Conger on the family farm in 1965.

Gordon spent most of his life in Iola KS and left his mark in Allen County.  As a young man he held key local, state and national positions with the Jaycees. He followed that with local and District leadership roles with Rotary International and participated in numerous Rotary sponsored international humanitarian missions and projects.  Just last week Gordon was recognized by the Iola Rotary Club for 52 years of active membership.  He held many leadership roles in Rotary International including serving as club President.

Always involved in civic affairs, Gordon was also state president of the soybean association, the Kansas Committee of Farm Organizations and the SEKAN Resource Conservation and Development Association. He helped with the reorganization of the Kansas Extension Service.  He served as Allen County Commissioner from 1986 to 1993. During that time he was involved in expansion of the airport, reorganization of the Road and Bridge Department and made significant recommendations to the development of the Allen County quarry and landfill.

Gordon had many passions. He took his first road trip at only 4 months old to Springfield MO.  Four more road trips came in his first 12 months culminating in his first visit to Iola in December of 1935.  His most recent road trip was late last year and was almost 2 months long. He loved to drive . . . fast cars and golf balls! It is rumored that Gordon had the largest collection of golf clubs in Allen County! He was active in the Allen County Country Club where he had a beautiful pond named after him. Flying was also a passion. Gordon learned to fly in the Air Force where he became an instructor. He also loved performing in local musical theater productions. He was an accomplished singer.

Gordon was committed to good causes and making the world a better place through his local, national and international efforts.  He had a great sense of humor and a love of discussing politics. He was the consummate Rotarian and lived by the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”. If you wish to make a donation to his favorite organizations, he would be honored for you to send donations to Rotary Club of Iola, KS, Allen County Regional Hospital or the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.