On Jan. 11, our beloved friend went to his eternal resting place where he was welcomed with wide open arms by his children, Michael and Toni, while his daughter Sheila sat with him until those gates opened. 

Conan was born Dec. 5, 1953 in Great Bend, Kan. to Aubrey and Bonnie Schartz. He was a GBHS graduate, class of 1971. He went on to be the best bodyman/autobody painter after high school. Conan took pride in his work and always loved to play any type of cards and pool with his friends and family, which is why he moved to Las Vegas, Nev. from 1983-1994. He made friends wherever he went. He always had a laugh, joke, and a life lesson for everybody he encountered. 

Conan is preceded in death by his parents; two children; and lots of other family. Conan is survived by brothers, Dennis (Berneice) and Glen (Debbie); sisters, Poellen (Larry) Anderson, JoAnna S., Zeta (Stan) Boese; daughter, Sheila ‘Schartz’ Watkins; son Jeffrey Borders; grandchildren, Lachlan and Brock Watkins, and Taylor Swensen; his good friend Brooklyn; and many others. 

Service information will be determined at a later date. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Conan, please visit our Tree Store.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Affordable Cremation Service

2306 NW Vivion Rd

Northmoor, MO 64150

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 15, 2026