Anthony Clemons "Tony" O'Connor

Surrounded by family on his favorite holiday of the year, Lt. Col. Anthony C. O'Connor, 95, passed in peace at his home in Tucson, AZ on December 25, 2018. A comment recently shared with the family described him very well - "Tony occupied a great space in his life." Anthony "Tony" was born on April 4, 1923, in El Reno, OK. After marrying the love of his life, Helen M. O'Connor (Tinsley) on January 1, 1942, Tony served the United States Air Force as a career military officer. As a pilot, he flew missions during WWII and the Korean War. After 24 years of active service in the military Tony "retired" and pursued interests in cattle ranching in Colorado, farming in New Mexico and home building in Wyoming, NM, and AZ. After being longtime residents of Colorado Springs, Tony and Helen finally settled in Tucson, AZ, in 1986, giving Tony ample opportunity to pursue his love of golf year round. He loved tinkering around his home and often had multiple home improvement projects underway at the same time. Tony loved spending time with his family and never missed an opportunity to host gatherings with all the family to celebrate special occasions. Tony was preceded in death by Helen (2015) after celebrating 75 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, Anthony W. O'Connor and wife Susie of Woodland Park, CO, and daughters Sandra L. Johnson of Tucson, AZ, Coleen P. Wright of Tucson, AZ, and Kelly S. Erickson of Arvada, CO. Tony "Papa" was loved dearly by his nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A special thank you to Tucson Medical Center Hospice for their loving care and support. Memorial donations may be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Arrangements by Adair Funeral Home, Dodge Chapel.