Doyle Conner to Lie in State Thursday at Historic Capitol

Former Agriculture Commissioner Doyle Conner, who passed away on Dec.16, in Monticello, will lie in state at Floridas Historic Capitol on Thursday.

Conner, a former House speaker who spent nearly 30 years as agriculture commissioner, will lie in state from noon to 2 p.m. in the Historic Capitol before a 3:30 p.m. funeral service at First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, 108 West College Ave.

Current Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam called Conner a mentor and Gov. Rick Scott described Conner as being a major reason why Floridas agricultural industry remains one of the strongest in the country.

Commissioner Conner was a great public servant for Florida, giving back to our state for more than three decades, the 33-year-old current Florida House speaker, Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, stated in a release.

By assuming the speakership at the age of 28, he helped pave the way for countless other Florida leaders to enter public service at a young age.

Conner, 83, was first elected to the Florida House in 1950, while a student at the University of Florida.