Gary Ray Conaway

Gary Ray Conaway, 78, of Lakewood, IL, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023, in Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IL.

Gary was born on October 26, 1944, in Markleysburg, PA, the son of Wilbur and Nettie (Jenkins) Conaway.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1963-1967 and was a Vietnam War veteran.  Gary married his soulmate, Dawne Diane Rickett, on June 20, 1998, and they were blessed with 23 years of marriage before her early passing on November 21, 2021.  Gary worked for PPG Industries for 32 years and 21 years for CF Industries, in other words, Gary enjoyed working.  He could fix anything that involved motors and was known as a jack of all trades.  Gary was an animal lover who cherished family time, especially time with his grandchildren.  He was a long-time member of the Lakewood United Methodist Church.     

Surviving are his children:  Gary Conaway Jr., of Dallas, TX, Jaison (Janee) Conaway of Prosper, TX, Gail (Christopher) Spurgin of Gunter, TX, Shawn Pratt of Greensburg, PA and Amanda (Mark) Ward of Lakewood; eight grandchildren:  Mason Conaway, Jessica Newhall, Nicolas Conaway, Ryane Spurgin, Regan Spurgin, Madilyn Ward, Abel Ward and Amilia Conaway; one great-grandchild, Jayce Newhall; sister, Helen K. Calhoun of Ocala, FL, brother, Harry Clyde (Mary) Conaway of Lorain, OH; brother-in-law, Fred Younkin of Ocala, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his soulmate, five brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2023, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville with Pastor Antonio Sutton officiating.  Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service.  Burial will take place in Ridge Cemetery on Williamsburg Hill on a later date.  Memorials may be made in Gary’s honor to Lakewood United Methodist Church or Saving Orphaned Animals and mailed to 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565.  Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville is assisting the family.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

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