Jerry Wayne Conner - Obituary

erry Wayne Conner, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived.Jerry was born on August 7, 1944, in Covington, Virginia, Jerry moved to Maryland where he graduated from High Point High School in 1961. Jerry spent much of his life working in the movie theater industry as a manager and projectionist, and serving as President of the Motion Picture Projectionist Union. He retired in March 2005, after years of dedicated service. Outside of work, Jerry had many passions—he was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins, a skilled duckpin bowler who toured professionally for years, and a proud inductee of the Duckpin Hall of Fame in 2004. He found great joy in taking family vacations, especially to Myrtle Beach, playing rounds of golf, and winning prizes from the claw machines to bring smiles to kids’ faces. He also loved trips to the casino, especially a good game of blackjack. Jerry was the beloved son of the late William Harold Conner and Doris Lucille Conner. He was preceded in death by his siblings Lucille Matthews and Harold Conner. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Conner; his children, Sheila Martinsen (Jim), Lori Whetzel (Randy), and Jerry Conner Jr. (Sandy); his sister, Barbara Morgan; his grandchildren Ashley, Brittney, Caissie, Geena, and Jeeya; and his great-grandchildren Conner, Ava, Jacob, Ashton, and Emmett. He was also a proud father-figure to Joey Conner and Jaime Duff, who he loved as his own. Jerry’s warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family will be missed beyond words. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Jerry's viewing on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 and Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 10 A.M. until the time of service at 11 A.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Internment to follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722. The Conner family requests memorial contributions to be made in Jerry's name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Checks should be made payable to “Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.”