Forrest “Dewey” Duane Conner of Saluda died on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
He was born in San Rafael, Calif. on Oct. 21, 1947 to Elizabeth Kemmerer Beatty and Burlin Curtis Conner.
Forrest grew up with three siblings, Betty Joanne Lipscomb, Burlin Curtis Conner Jr., and Margaret Friedhoff.
Forrest met the love of his life, Teresita Garchitorena, in 2019. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on April 11, 2020 in Urbanna.
In 1965, Forrest enlisted to serve in the United States Army as an infantryman. He was later deployed to Vietnam. Forrest proudly served his country for six years and was honorably discharged. In 1966, he was awarded the prestigious honor of receiving a Purple Heart for wounds received in action.
Forrest was a longtime resident of Saluda, where he started his own paint and body shop. There, he kept his sailboat. His love for sailing led him to pursue his dream of obtaining his captain’s license.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Kemmerer Beatty; his father, Burlin Curtis Conner; his sister, Betty Joanne Lipscomb; and his brother, Burlin Curtis Conner Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tess; and his younger sister, Margaret.
He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Interment is planned for 3 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House.
