Freestone County, Texas Obits Houston Chronicle newspaper - 9/29/2006 edition BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CONNER (BEN) went home to be with his heavenly father on Sept. 28, 2006 after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born April 5, 1922 to Samuel and Rose Conner in the Houston Heights. He served in the Merchant Marines and worked for Quaker Rubber. He was the owner of Big City Sewer Service until his retirement in 1984. He was co - owner of Health Delight in the Heights and Rosenberg. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Rosenberg and Rose-Rich Chamber of Commerce. He was a tireless advocate for the mentally retarded. He spent countless hours testifying in Austin and Washington in support of State Schools. He fought to keep them open for those who needed them. He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel & Rose Conner, his brother Samuel Conner (Buddie) and son Billy Don Roberts. He is survived by his wife of 38 years Gladys Conner, sons Ben Conner, Jr. and wife Jan, Mike Conner and wife Joyce, Glynn Roberts and wife Maria, daughters Kathleen Pavey and husband Steve, Linda Roberts and daughter -in- law Rosemary Roberts. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 5 great - grandchildren and a host of many friends and colleagues. He was a former guardian to Larry Wright and James Miller. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Rosenberg, 1117 First Street of Sat. Sept. 30th @ 9:30 a.m. officiated by Dr. Donnie Melton. Burial will be at Driver's Cemetery in Teague, Texas. Visitation will be held on Fri. Sept. 29th from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home.