Missionary Slated for Telethon Dies
Father Paul O’Conner, a missionary who flew a single-engine airplane through the African bush, has died in Las Vegas where he had gone to appear on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. He was 63.
The Roman Catholic priest who lived in Detroit died Friday of respiratory complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Lewis’ telethon benefits victims of ALS and other neuromuscular diseases.
Lewis said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the priest’s death.
The entertainer planned to use a film about O’Conner’s work in Africa and his battle with his disease.
O’Conner, a native of Scotland, became a pilot specifically so that he could reach native groups in the African bush.
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