James Conger

Rev. James R. Conger, 72, Crawfordsville, passed away at 12:30 AM Thursday, August 25, at the Lane House Nursing Home. He was born August 7, 1939 in Valporaiso, Nebraska, to Cassius C. and Crystal Lucile (Rogers) Conger. He married Diane Kay Gibson on June 17, 1962, in Lexington, Missouri. She survives.

Rev. Conger had retired from full time ministry in 1999, and continued as an interim Pastor, serving locally at the New Market Baptist Church; the Brazil Baptist Church; and the Rio Grande, Indiana, Baptist Church. When serving full time he had served as the Pastor in Garnett, Kansas; Newton, Iowa; Kingman, Kansas; and Paris, Illinois. Prior to assuming his first pastoral position, he spent 5 years in youth ministry. He was currently a member of the First Baptist Church of Crawfordsville. He was raised in Kewanee, Illinois, and was a graduate of Kewanee High School. He was also a graduate of William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, and Central Baptist Seminary, Kansas City, Kansas. During his retirement he enjoyed supporting the local small businesses and spending time with his grand kids.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter: Marci (Don) Rose, Crawfordsville, and his son: Bryce Conger, Waynetown. Also surviving is a sister: Mary Conger-Wissel, Washington, Illinois, and 2 grandchildren: Paige and Treyce Pittman. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation was selected with a Celebration of Jim's Life will be held Saturday, September 10, at 4:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, 1905 Lebanon Rd., Crawfordsville, with Rev. Richard D. Reese, officiating. The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. There will be a family committal service at the Indian Creek Hill Cemetery, New Market, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to be sent to: Fish Food Pantry, PO Box 261, Crawfordsville, IN 47933; Salvation Army, C/O HUB Ministries, 406 MIll St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933; or the American Red Cross, 113 S. Water St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Online condolences may be sent to: powerspriebefh.com