Mount Pulaski keeping the memory
of Evan Connor alive
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[September 02, 2017]
It
was just a week ago that the Mount Pulaski community woke up to the
tragic news that Evan Connor had been killed overnight in a single
car accident near Latham. Connor, a 2017 graduate of MPHS, was a
19-year old kid who touched more lives in his short time spent here
on earth than the average person.
As a youngster he was a fixture at the local restaurant on the
square in Mount Pulaski and even ran up a breakfast tab of $300 one
month (which may actually be a low estimate) because even though
Evan’s dad, Steve Connor, had told his son it was okay to run up a
tab and he would take care of it, he didn’t know Evan was feeding
his friends, too.
![](../images/090217pics/connorFullSizeRender%20(5)_small.jpg)
Evan was also a familiar face at Logan Lanes in Lincoln and he was
an outstanding bowler. He once bowled 299, and while some may have
been a bit dejected that he didn’t make that elusive score of 300,
Evan himself was elated at his accomplishment.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2017/Sep/02/images/ads/current/fcs_funeral_lda082613.png)
As Evan entered high school, he quickly became a faithful follower
of the Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers and often led the purple and gold
student section in support of all the athletes. He was a chip off
the old block when it came to his love for the Hilltoppers. His
grandpa, the late David Drake, always sat on the sidelines,
encouraging the student-athletes up and down the court, and Evan
would do the same. He was even a manager for basketball coach Ryan
Deibert and his Hilltopper squad. Deibert and his team plan on
paying tribute to Evan during this upcoming basketball season.
Evan’s personality fit the public well in Mount Pulaski. He was a
young man but yet had an old soul. He never met a stranger. He knew
everybody. He was that little boy who held the door open for
everybody. He was that young man who enjoyed hearing stories - no
matter how far-fetched - from the older generation.
Evan worked at Farmer’s Family Restaurant while in high school and
eventually moved on to being a cook at The Old Brickyard Grill and
Pub. At both places he was always popping out of the kitchen to say
hi to folks. He had a smile and a kind word for everyone. And a hug.
He was a hugger. He loved life and the people in his life.
And, oh, there were so many people in his life. Over the past week
social media was flooded with tributes to Evan. Kids shared messages
from Evan. Seems like he was always checking up on his friends to
make sure they were doing okay. His positive attitude has
undoubtedly left a mark on his friends. All this from a young man
who had a few struggles along the way but never let those get in the
way of being a good friend.
Evan’s mom, Renay Anderson, was so appreciative this week of the
support shown to her and her family by the community. She
acknowledged that Evan was the perfect example that it truly takes a
village to raise a child.
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![](../images/090217pics/IMG_6719_small.jpeg)
Fly High, Evan!
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/May/02/images/ads/current/guzzardo_lda022609.png)
A village that is now hurting at yet another loss that has left a
huge void, but can find comfort knowing that Evan is watching over
them. There is a good chance he’s got a big smile on his face, his
arms are open wide ready for hugs and it’s a safe bet he's proudly
wearing a St. Louis Cardinals t-shirt.
Fly High, Evan!
Two upcoming fundraisers are planned in Mount
Pulaski for Evan Connor
The Old Brickyard Grill and Pub Fundraiser
This Sunday, September 3rd The Old Brickyard Pub and Grill on the
square in Mount Pulaski is having a luncheon benefit for Evan Connor
from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. They will be serving pulled pork
sandwiches, baked beans and potato salad. The price is a donation
and all the money will go towards Evan’s expenses/funeral/headstone
funds. Please spread the word. Use the driveway. All vehicles will
be vacated so you can drive up to the tent and get your food and go
home. Thank you so much!
Mount Pulaski Hilltopper Volleyball Team Fundraiser
The volleyball team is planning a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit on
Thursday, September 7th at the high school cafeteria. The dinner
will be served from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and the cost is donation.
All proceeds will go to the family of Evan Connor. The Hilltoppers
take on Greenview at 6 p.m. on the volleyball court.
![](../images/090217pics/IMG_6714_small.jpeg)
Family and Friends Gather to Launch Balloons in Evan Connor's
Memory
Friday evening at the Mount Pulaski High School parking lot, family
and friends came together to launch balloons into the sky in Evan’s
memory. The evening was so peaceful, and everything Evan would have
enjoyed. You see, Evan had lost a beloved grandfather and a dear
step-dad in his lifetime and he loved to launch balloons in memory
of his loved ones. On this evening, family and friends honored Evan
with mostly red balloons. Red like his beloved Cardinals. Shortly
after 5 p.m. the wind was just perfect for the releasing of the
balloons.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Aug/26/images/ads/current/napa_bch1-3108.png)
The balloons floated away from Mount Pulaski while the song,
“Dancing in the Sky” played in the background. That song by Dani and
Lizzy had been played earlier in the week at Evan’s funeral. The
many tears shed and hugs felt in that parking lot made everyone well
aware of Evan’s impact. An impact that will last a lifetime on this
earth. Thank you, Evan.
[Teena Lowery] |