Theodore R. Conant, 89, know to all as “Ted”, passed away early Wednesday morning, June 1, 2016, in the house he has called home for over 60 years, surrounded by the family he loved.
Ted was born in Norwich on August 29, 1926 the son of Theodore & Myrtie (Franklin) Conant. He attended the Norwich schools and following his education entered the United States Army where he honorably served his country until his discharge in 1948. He subsequently entered the United States Navy again serving his country until his discharge in 1954. Returning home, Ted gained employment with Victory Markets in 1955 where he worked as a truck driver until his retirement in 1992.
Ted enjoyed many leisure activities. He loved a good game of chess with anyone brave enough to take him on. Pitching horseshoes was another activity he took to heart having pitched with his brother Erford . Together they had won championships in both Chenango and Broome Counties. He also was an avid bowler having achieved a 299 in his later years. A firm believer in exercise, Ted could often be found working out at home on his own equipment. Above everything else, Ted’s family was his pride and joy. He enjoyed many outings and family gatherings, and, if he saw or heard something he didn’t like or agree with he had a favorite 2 word expression which only his family knew.
Ted was a member of American Legion Post 189 and VFW Post 2782.
On July 23, 1950 in Plymouth he married Lucy Maricle who survives. Besides his wife Lucy of Norwich he is survived by his sons Terrance Conant, Barry Conant and fiancée Kathleen Chaffee, Jeffrey Conant and wife Donna all of Norwich, Larry Conant and wife Katherine of Mt. Dora, FL and Sherman Conant and wife Bobbi of Norwich. Also surviving are his grandchildren, T.J., Matt, Sarah Conant-Sigman, Shane, Spencer, Jordan, Brittney Anderson, April, Ashley, Cassaundra, Chad, Jeremy, Jack, Danielle Conant-Carry, Stacey Roach, Brandon and Kyler, along with 20 great grandchildren, his 2 sister-in-laws Betty and Rose Conant and many nieces and nephews.
Ted was predeceased by his daughters Karen and Sherry and his brothers Rex, Erford and Earl.
A funeral for Ted will be held on Monday at 1:00 pm from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Brian Conover, Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich will officiate. Interment with full military rites will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 11-1pm.
Please consider memorial contributions to USO Fort Drum, PO Box 454, Fort Drum, NY 13602. Please make checks payable to USO Fort Drum with a notation in memory of Theodore Conant.