Harvey R. Conn

CONN, Harvey Richard, 95, passed away on Christmas Day at his residence in Hickory Gardens. Born October 2, 1917, to parents Richard Alexander Conn and Ethel Louise Cartwright Conn. Harvey grew up in East Nashville attending Hume Fogg High School for two years and then in the first graduating class of East High School. Harvey is preceded in death by his adored wife, Catherine Estelle Meacham Conn. They were married in Franklin, Ky on January 1, 1937, and remained devoted to each other for 52 years until her death in 1989. He began a long career with E.I. DuPont in Old Hickory as a spinning operator in the Rayon Plant. In 1941, this was interrupted by war. He served honorably in World War II as a member of the Fourth Ferrying Group United States Army Air Force. On his discharge, he returned to work at DuPont moving to the Village in 1946. Through hard work and determination, Harvey retired as a supervisor in 1982. During his career, he was instrumental in starting up the Old Hickory Dacron and Reemay plants, as well as plants in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Monterey, Mexico. Catherine and Harvey traveled extensively with several trips to Europe as well as Hawaii and Alaska. Their ultimate trip was flying to Paris, France, on the Concorde, the only time it ever landed in Nashville, and returning home two weeks later on the Queen Elizabeth II. After retirement, in addition to traveling, Harvey helped organize an amazing collection of fellow DuPont retirees into the Fun With Science group. For over 20 years, these people would load up their van and travel to local schools every Thursday during the academic year. They would perform science experiments to show kids the importance of science and served as an inspiration to many young people. They were in constant demand, and their schedule was filled every year. Every morning Harvey would rise early and have coffee with other retirees at Hardee's in Old Hickory. This ritual allowed them to share stories of their former work and current lives. They were indeed friends in the best definition of the word. In his later years, Harvey's health began to decline and he moved to Hickory Gardens Assisted Living. There he was cared for by the loving staff. Survivors include his son, Ronald Wayne Conn, grandson, Richard Preston Conn, and former daughter-in-law, Shirley Ann Russell Conn. Visitation will be at Phillips-Robinson Hadley Chapel, 1700 Hadley Ave. on Thursday from 4-7pm and again before the funeral service on Friday, December 28 at 11am in our chapel. The service will be officiated by Rev. Von Unruh. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Fun With Science Group with family and friends serving as active pallbearers. Entombment will immediately follow at Spring Hill Cemetery. PHILLIPS-ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME, HADLEY CHAPEL, (615)847-1010

Harvey R. Conn

October 2, 1917 - December 25, 2012