Raymond Edward Conner, 88 of Stephens City, VA, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Warren Memorial Hospital.

Raymond was born in 1935 in Stephens City, the son of the late Crowell and Marie Conner. He graduated from James Wood High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music in Dayton, VA. His career as educator and band director for the Frederick County School System spanned decades. His love of music and teaching were always front and center as he led the instrumental music programs at James Wood High School and later Aylor Junior High/Middle School, covering marching, symphonic, concert and jazz bands. Raymond also led the music program at Wesley United Methodist Church, with his wife Pat. They later joined Refuge Church, where he served as trustee, directed the church music program for many years, served on the scholarship committee and helped with the cemetery. He was a member of the Shenandoah University Dayton Alumni group and served on their scholarship review board.

He married Patricia Ann Boyer on September 14, 1957, at Braddock Street UMC in Winchester. As the love of his life, they enjoyed 65 precious years together. She preceded him in death on September 27, 2022.

Raymond is survived by his son, Mark E. Conner (Maria) of Granite Falls, NC and his grandson, Ryan E. Conner.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Charlotte Marie Conner Miller.

A visitation will be held for Raymond on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, Winchester, VA. A service celebrating his life will be held the following day, Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 11 am at Refuge Church. Interment will be in Refuge Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Laetitia Schoeman.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Raymond to Refuge Church, 717 Refuge Church Road, Stephens City, VA 22655.