Danville, Pennsylvania - Jay Edward Confer, 75, U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, business owner of Jay Confer Trucking and life-long resident of White Hall Road, Danville, departed this life Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Mr. Confer is survived by one daughter, two stepchildren, six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He leaves the following descendants: Jamie R. Smith and partner Jeffrey Heimbach of New Columbia and her children; Todd J. Smith and wife Brianne, of Milton, and children, Aria, Todd Jr., and Sawyer; Elle Smith and wife Mikayla Reichert of Syracuse, New York. Also, stepchildren, Pratuang Dee Ferguson and husband Robert of Millville and children, Brian and Ryan; and Prathip Sawangjang and wife Barbara of Milton and children Pralisa and Pracolby.

He leaves siblings: John S. Confer, wife Tammy and children Jonathan, Jeremy, Jesse and Joshua, of Danville; and Peggy Ann Confer Ranck and partner Edna (Tena) R. Morris also of Danville and children Devin Tubbs and Nathaniel Ranck.

Born in Muncy in 1948, he was the oldest of three children of the late Jay Raymond Confer and Rebecca "Peggy" (Trivelpiece) Confer of White Hall, Danville.

Mr. Confer spent his younger years working on a farm owned by his grandparents, Jesse and Florence Weatherill Johnson. He was a 1967 graduate of Warrior Run High School where he played right guard in football and competed in track and field.

After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1968, Mr. Confer served as a tactical aircraft maintenance technician for T37 and T38 aircraft in Laredo, Texas. He later served at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base where he maintained RF-4 Phantoms that flew in support of combat operations in Vietnam. He finished his Air Force career at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah. Medals garnered during Mr. Confer's 10-year service include: Air Force Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM), Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA), Gallant Unit Citation Award, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship.

After serving his country, Mr. Confer joined his father in the trucking business and later owned Jay Confer Trucking. His CB handle was Crop Duster.

In his free time, Mr. Confer really enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed sprint car, late model and go-kart racing at local speedways where he earned the nickname "Crash." He was also a business sponsor of sprint cars. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8206, Turbotville, and American Legion Post 251, Montgomery.

A celebration of Mr. Confer's life is planned at a future date.

Family and friends may send online condolences to bunnellfuneralhome.com. The Bunnell Funeral Home Inc., Millville, is handling arrangements.