Gerald H. (Gerry) ConnerMay 31, 1924 -- Jan. 11, 2010Gerald H. Conner, 85, of Albany died Monday, Jan. 11, of complications due to Parkinson's disease at Carlene's Comfort Care in Scio.Gerry was born in Ontario to Hamilton A. and Dorothy Conner. He graduated from Ontario High School.In 1943, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as an enlisted man, and served in the South Pacific during World War II. During the next 28 years of his career, he was in Ordinance, with deployment to Korea and Vietnam; rose to the rank of Captain; and retired Aug. 1, 1972. Prior to retirement, he obtained a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Park College in Missouri through the Bootstrap Program.  After retirement, he obtained a master of business administration from the University of Oregon, which led to a 24-year career teaching economics at Linn-Benton Community College. While teaching at LBCC, Gerry obtained a master's degree in economics at Portland State University.After 20 years teaching, Gerry negotiated with LBCC to continue teaching for no salary. In lieu of salary, tuition generated by students enrolling in Gerry's classes was transferred to an endowment fund for student scholarships, which has provided more than 75 scholarships. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janie L. Conner; his son, Michael T. Conner, and wife, Donna H. Conner; his daughter, Carla A. Conner; his daughter-in-law, Laurie M. Trombley, widow of Craig E. Conner, Gerry's son who preceded him in death; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.Viewing will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home in Albany. Military funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the LBCC Gerry Conner Endowment Fund. For additional information, call Paulette Myers, 541-917-4209.AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).