10/21/1994 – 4/18/2026
Lawrence
Dr. Connor Chestnut had a gift for embracing the beauty and wonder of life. He sought out new adventures, cherished time with loved ones, and never missed an opportunity to make others laugh. He loved deeply and, in return, was deeply loved. In his 31 years, he lived more fully than many do in a lifetime.
Born Oct. 21, 1994, in Merriam, Kans., Connor called Lawrence, Kansas, home. He passed away April 18, 2026, in Seattle, Wash., where he was a resident in Urologic Surgery with the University of Washington Department of Urology. Connor was known as a skilled surgeon, a deeply compassionate physician and a beloved mentor.
Connor graduated with honors and distinction from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2021 and with highest distinction from the University of Kansas in 2017. He graduated with honors from Lawrence Free State High School in 2013. He attended Southwest Middle School and Langston Hughes Elementary.
During his career, Connor received numerous honors, including Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa, National Honor Society, BioKansas Capitol Graduate Research Award and the Russel Hayden Research Award. He presented his research at professional conferences and was published in numerous academic journals.
Connor’s dedication to medicine and service began early. He worked for Panda Pediatrics and at JayDoc Free Clinic as a student physician and Spanish language interpreter.
Connor embraced life with rare enthusiasm and joy. He was an Eagle Scout with Troop 53, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He found peace and joy in the mountains – hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, or swimming in alpine lakes and sleeping under open skies. His love of adventure led him to trek the Appalachian Trail, summit Mt Rainier and climb many Colorado fourteeners.
Deeply creative, Connor mastered the guitar, banjo and ukulele, delighting family and friends with original songs filled with wit and humor. He used art to express his uniquely curious and playful view of the world.
Connor will be remembered for his brilliance, compassion, humor, joyful energy and the light he brought into every room. He is deeply missed and forever loved.
He is survived by his loving parents, Rob and Micki Chestnut; his brother, Spencer Chestnut (Susan), and nephew, James; his sister, Madeline Chestnut Henry (Ethan); and extended family.
The family invites friends to Connor’s Celebration of Life Open House, Sat., May 30, 12:00-4:00pm (service at 1:00), 843 N 1500 Rd., Lawrence. See www.celebrateconnor.com. Memorials may be made to American Conservation Experience or Colorado Fourteeners Initiative.
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