Garold "Sonny" Conn

Garold Max “Sonny” Conn, age 86, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at home surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 10, 1939, in Freedom, Oklahoma, Sonny was the beloved son of Dwight and Maxine (Province) Conn. Sonny graduated from Freedom High School and proudly served in the US Army beginning December 4, 1961, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and honorably discharged on September 5, 1963. He pursued higher education diligently, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1976 from Northwest State University and a Master of Education in 1972. His commitment to education continued with Superintendent certification from Northeastern State College in 1993 and a master’s degree in administration. Sonny's career included significant roles, notably as Assistant Superintendent for Helena State Training School for Boys and later at Oklahoma School for the Blind, starting as Dean of Students in 1980 and becoming Superintendent in 1992 until his retirement in 1999. In 1995, he founded the Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth, Inc. A sports enthusiast, Sonny enjoyed all sports, especially OU football and OU women's softball. He served as a high school football referee and girls' softball umpire. Outside of his professional and refereeing careers, Sonny cherished tending to his cattle on his farm, fishing in the farm ponds of northwestern Oklahoma, quail hunting, meeting his buddies at Tunica, and shooting craps. Sonny will be remembered for his dedication to education, his love for sports, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community. His legacy will continue to inspire all those who had the honor of knowing him. Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Jody; his parents, Dwight and Maxine Conn; and his sister, Naomi Noblitt. He is survived by his daughter, Kelli Goodwin and her husband David of Oktaha; grandson, Layton Packwood and wife Jessica of Clifton, Tennessee; granddaughter, Kasey Packwood of Tampa, Florida; great-grandson, Kingston Jennings of Bath Springs, Tennessee; along with numerous nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends. Sonny’s life will be celebrated at 9 AM, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Dennis Nance officiating. Interment will follow at 3 PM at Freedom Cemetery in Freedom, Oklahoma, with military honors being presented. Pallbearers will be Robert Max Province, Robert Warren, Rob Daughbetee, Brian Fuller, Bobby Craig, and Dennis Moore. Honorary pallbearer will be Zearl Harris. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials can be made to the OK Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth, c/o Mabrey Bank, Attn: Derek Gibson, 401 N Main St, Muskogee, OK 74401. The family would like to express a very special “Thank You” to the entire team at Rivercross Hospice for the excellent care and support shown to Sonny.

Garold "Sonny" Conn

April 10, 1939 - May 2, 2025