Donald Conway
October 21, 2023
Donald Leo Conway, age 76, was born August 11, 1947, in O’Neill, Nebraska. After a 3-year valiant, and often winning, battle with pancreatic cancer, Don eventually laid down his arms on October 21, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. Just as he wished, Don embarked on his journey to heaven from the familiar comfort of his own home, surrounded by his family in care and love.
Don was a loyal and loving husband who shared 52 years of bliss with his bride, Linda Lee Conway (née Haupt). He was a loving and steadfastly supportive father to Heather Conway Hammond and Christopher William Conway, and an endlessly energetic and fun-loving grandfather to Zachary Dylan Visser. He was also survived by his sisters Margaret (Tom) Pribil (née Conway) and Dorothy Wahrman (née Conway), in addition to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father William Conway, mother Edna Conway (née Eppenbach), and brother Edward Conway.
A proud United States Veteran, Don served 3 years in Vietnam on the US Naval ship LPH-3 USS Okinawa from 1965-1968.
Don enjoyed a successful, lifelong career in Telecommunications. He was an avid outdoorsman, as well as a skilled self-taught carpenter, mechanic, plumber, you-name-it. Don could fix anything. He was known for his kind and generous spirit, always first in line to lend a helping hand to those in need, friends, family, and strangers alike. Anyone who met Don knew instantly the kindness of his heart. The world was a better place for having Don in it. His loving spirit will live on in all those who knew and loved Don. We are grateful he is now at peace, safe in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital are welcomed at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/DonaldLConway
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Conway family.
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Don, whether it was feeding the hungry through providing food to the Food Bank or sharing a campfire with dozens of children during Trunk or Treat,cooking their hotdogs, you have always served others with a smile..
Don was a great friend to all he met. Don and Linda were members at the same church that I attended. Before his cancer became rampant he was always doing something to better the property and church building. He is truly missed although God wrapped His loving arms around Don and brought him peace and pain free. Until we meet again, Don, God Bless you and keep you…..
Don was the best brother-in-law one could have. Will miss his humor. He was a joy to our family. Always had time to help someone else. Will miss him. The Lord be with Linda, Heather and Chris during this trying time.
Don’s smile and happy presence is missed among our family of friends. He was always ready to help with any and everything. I know he is now with his Lord, Almighty God. I hope to see him again at my time.
Sorry to hear of Don's passing. Linda , Don was a pleasure to know . I have good memories of sharing rides to work in Grand Rapids.
What a great loss. Don was such a wonderful person, and so giving. I feel blessed that I had the honor of meeting, volunteering with, and getting to know Don. Very few of us touch so many lives and make such a difference. Don was always there with a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Don and Linda were perfectly together and an unstoppable team.
We can be comforted by John 14:1-3 – "“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." I am sure Don is up in heaven, helping and watching over us.
Don's approach to life and service reminds me of the quote from General George S. Patton, " It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived".
Don made his mark on this world, let us too soon but he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, brother.
A man with a joyful, giving spirit is how I describe Don. His commitment to helping others while dealing with unbearable pain is a true reflection of a man who knows he is loved. When he spoke, his voice was unique and pleasing and accompanied by a smile, which was contagious. It doesn't take long to make a positive impact on others and I only knew Don for a few years, but I am certainly grateful that we crossed paths. God's peace to Linda and family.
-Ted Pappas
Hearing Don and Linda lovingly joke about each other was refreshing. You two made a wonderful team and a beautiful example of a loving marriage. Don will be sorely missed by many. God’s blessings to your family, and may Don rest in peace with the Lord.
I worked with Don for 12 years. It was a pleasure. He was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humor. In those 12 years I never saw him angry or had anything bad to say about anyone. The world has lost a good one. I wish the family strength during this time of mourning.
Don was my little brother. We grew up in small town Nebraska with our parents ,an older brother and a younger sister. Don was an active child maybe even called ornery a few times. He was never mean or distructive just liked to push the limits.. I am sure he was responsible for a few of his mother’s grey hairs. The navy and a good woman helped him become the man we were all proud of. You will be missed little brother. Loved you.
We met Don through Heather, his daughter. He became a valued friend – always there with a sense of kindness and joy for the whole family. We are sending our love and condolences.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Don. I have a lot of great childhood memories from when you all lived in Ralston. Thinking about you Aunt Linda, Heather and Chris.
Uncle Don you will be missed! It meant a lot to me that you reached out to me when I was first diagnosed with cancer even though you were in the middle of your fight. Praying for Linda and family during this difficult time! Melissa
There's not enough words to describe what a blessing it was to know Don. We have known him for 52 years, when he joined our family after wedding Linda. He greatly loved his family and country.
God bless Don and his family.
Till we meet again
Everything about Don should start “it goes with out saying “ . He falls under my short list of friends I’ve had for more than 35 years . He was a coworker ,neighbor and a room mate , if he did it he did it well. We feel it has been a blessing to know Don , Linda and family. Good Memories .
I went to school with Don. My condolences to all the Conway family.
We are so sorry for your (our) loss of a beautiful man. Don was a great neighbor, friend, husband, father and an amazing Christian. Don was always there for anyone that needed a hand, good word or a laugh. Our neighborhood will miss him terribly. Don fought a great fight against cancer. He was like the energizer bunny on moving forward with his treatments and setbacks. Don is a true hero on strength and determination to succeed against all odds. Linda was the wonderful, caring and loving wife each and every day throughout this ordeal to help get Don free from cancer.
God has called Don into his kingdom and Don's expertise with people is what God needed Don to handle with us left to Chart a path ahead.
God please take care of our dear friend Don.
Love Ron and Anne
We will sure miss Don. He always had something witty to say. So fortunate to have met him at AT&T and to have kept in touch after retirement. You fought the good fight Don and now you can rest easy .May you rest in peace.
I really liked Don from the first minute I met him, he was the kind of man you’d want for a friend. I will miss him deeply and extend. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones.
When I met Don, I immediately felt a brother in Christ. He was a man whose love for God, life, and others was evident from his first hello. His constant sense of joy was infectious, and his willingness to help unending. I am humbly grateful to have our paths cross, even for a brief time. Godspeed, Don. My love and support to you, Linda.
Rest in peace Don, you and Linda were always very kind to me. I will miss looking out my window and seeing you and Linda working on the lawn or planting a new shrub. I’m sure there is a place on the Lord’s crew for a green thumb. Until we meet again.
This prayer says it all…🥲
We had GOOD times in our early years, rest in peace Don .
DON my consumate neighbor, lending a hand before I even knew I needed it! When Don cleaned his rain gutters for leaves, he’d cart his ladder over and clean ours. When improvement projects befuddled me, Don was quick to solve the issue. Whatever the task he had the talent and the right tools to do the job. FOREVER grateful for your humor and your worldly insight! I’m certain OUR LORD has you in HIS presence and for that I give thanks!
I’m so sorry to hear the sad news about Don. I met and became friends with Linda and Don when they moved here with AT&T. Linda and I became instant friends at work. Don fought a good fight and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and family.🙏🏼❤️
Don was the only person I know that drove a brand new 1954 Chevy that his folks had bought in 54 they put it in the garage locked it and proceeded to loose the key Don when he got his licence to drive said this is nuts cut the lock off the door and had a new car to drive what a guy. He was also one of 4 red heads born in 1947 when we all got together as cousins we had fun.
Don had my respect as soon as I met him in 1996 at ATT Grand Rapids. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to you Linda and Your Family. Mike and Linda Mengyan
I worked with Don a number of years in Conyers, GA
Don was a good friend and we shared a lot things in common
He surely will be missed
Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss, and i cant imagine how hard this has been for you and your family. Don was a great colleague and a role model for me. He helped me out with both personal and professional projects, and was like an uncle to me. I will always be grateful for his mentorship and friendship.
My thoughts for both you and Don are in my heart.
I wish you the best… Javier
Dear Linda, this message comes perhaps a little later than it should have. I have shared with you the impact that Don had on my life and that of Rob's while Rob was still alive. Don was truly a caring and compassionate person who gave of himself even in the midst of his own suffering. Like Jesus, he poured out himself for the sake of others. There are not many people on earth that I lift up as an example to follow because I believe Jesus is the best example, but Don is one such person. He exemplified the meaning of being Christlike. May God give you peace and comfort as only God can. With great appreciation and much love.