Obituary of Conway Villars

Conway Charles Henry Villars was born in St. Paul on August 24, 1931 and died on November 26, 2021 at the age of 90. Connie lived a full life of music, family and faith. He graduated from St. Paul Central High School, Macalester College, taught Special Ed in the St. Paul Public School system and played drums professionally. He was an amazing drummer. Starting at the age of 5 his first band was with his 6 siblings – the Junior Pennsylvanians. Many jam sessions took place at his parent's house during high school. Then to the Navy Band where he performed on the USS Coral Sea. After serving, he completed his college degree at Macalester College where he met his wife, Nancy. They married and had 3 kids. After school, he taught drum lessons at home. There were hundreds of drummers that got their start with Connie. He performed with many bands including, the Rod Aalberg Big Band, Johnny Owen Big Band, Como Pops Orchestra, plus he was part of the State Fair Grandstand band accompanying many artists. Later in his career he played with Richfield Symphonic Band, Satin Jazz and church. As a Mason, he was an active member of the Osman Shrine Drum and Bugle Corp where he marched in many parades. Connie loved fishing, trap shooting, archery, hunting, tennis, poker and cornhole. He loved his 7 grandkids and attended as many recitals, sporting events and special occasions as possible. The recent birth of his great grandson brought him great joy. Connie is survived by his children, Curt, Cathy (Brent) Harms, Craig (Kjerste); grandkids, Melissa, Jesse, Danny Villars, Jenni (Scott) Lindner, Kelsey Harms, Kaitlyn, Ana Villars; great grandchild, Beau Lindner; brother, Jerry. Preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Villars and sisters, Shirley Lang, June Wille, Jinny Oliver, Nancy Mulliken and Dawn Hilbert. Visitation 5-7PM Monday, Nov 29th at Willwerscheid West-Heights Chapel, 235 W. Wentworth Ave., W. St. Paul. Memorial Service 11:00AM Tuesday, Nov 30 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 1575 Charlton St., W. St. Paul. Everyone entering church will be required to wear a mask. Memorials preferred to the Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Stephens Lutheran Church. The service will be live streamed on the church's Facebook page. Visitation 5-7PM Monday, Nov 29th at Willwerscheid West-Heights Chapel, 235 W. Wentworth Ave., W. St. Paul. Memorial Service 11:00AM Tuesday, Nov 30 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 1575 Charlton St., W. St. Paul. Everyone entering church will be required to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on the church's Facebook page. https://www.Facebook.com/sslcwsp/live/