In 1971 the St. Peters Fire Protection District (now part of Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR)) was incorporated and Donald Conoyer was elected to the board of directors. This started an 18 year tenure as a Director, overseeing the transition from a volunteer fire department to a full-time career fire protection district. Conoyer died during the morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 11.
“When Don started with the fire department, our community was mainly farmland, but he could see the potential for growth. His vision for the future of the community and the fire service helped develop a strong foundation for where we are today as one of the largest and most progressive emergency response organizations in the region,” CCFR Assistant Chief Steve Brown says.
During Conoyer’s years of service, the District purchased land for three additional fire stations, built two new stations and added on to the original fire Station #1 to accommodate additional staff and updated equipment.
“It is hard to imagine where we would be as a fire district without Don’s dedication and service,” Brown says.
Conoyer joined the St. Peters Volunteer Fire Department in 1965 and rose to the level of captain before becoming instrumental in the incorporation of the new fire district as a member of its board of directors. He retired from the board in March 1989; the District honored his 24 years of service by dedicating the new Station #3 on Cave Springs to him that same year.
Before joining the District, Conoyer proudly served in the military as a Merchant Marine during World War II and as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus of All Saints. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 313 in St. Peters.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Baue Funeral & Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay St., St. Charles, MO 63301. The funeral Mass will be at noon Wednesday, Dec. 19 at All Saints Catholic Church, 5 McMenamy Rd., St. Peters, MO 63376.