Richard Joseph Conaway

January 17, 1947 - July 8, 2020

Richard Joseph Conaway was born on January 17, 1947 in Rochester, Illinois to Calvin and Lucille Christina (Delbeck) Conaway and passed away on July 8, 2020 in Salem, Missouri at the age of seventy-three years. Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sheila Howard on March 21, 1964 in Springfield, Illinois. Together they shared fifty-six wonderful years of marriage and were blessed to share five children: Harry, Shonie, Ronald, Christina, and Kevin. Richard moved his family to Salem in 1976 to go into construction partnership with his dad Calvin. He enjoyed building, working with his hands, and worked as a carpenter business contractor. Richard had a great passion for being outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and nature enthusiast. Richard enjoyed being hands-on, always working on vehicles and fixing things. He had many passions, but none were more important to him then his family. He cherished the time spent with his children and treasured his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard is survived by his loving wife Sheila Conaway of the home; three sons: Ronald Joseph Conaway and fiancé Heather Rettstatt of Licking, MO, Kevin Conaway and wife Bobbie of Salem, MO, and Harry Hunt and wife Tammy of Chatham, IL; one daughter: Christina Cook and fiancé Christopher Venable of Raymondville, MO; sisters: Gladys, Carol, and Debbie; brothers: Dale, Gene, Larry, Ronald Jay, James, and Gary; grandchildren: Anthony Schafer and wife Rachel, Brandon Schafer and wife Beckie, Lacy Bolerjack, Joshua Conaway and fiance Alison Dement, Shonie Conaway, Andrew Conaway and wife Harley, Logan Conaway and wife Brentnee, Breanna, and Cody; great-grandchildren: Collin, Grady, Greyson, Blayne, Kolsen, Easton, Ruby Rae, Joey, Jax, Jaycen, Karter, Lincoln, and baby due in March; as well as several nieces and nephews to which he loved dearly, other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death is one daughter: Shonie Dee Conaway; one grandson: Justin Conaway, his parents: Calvin and Lucille Conaway; three sisters: Linda, Shirley, and Maryann, two brothers: Roger and Calvin, and his grandparents: William and Nettie Conaway. Richard was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed beyond measure. Funeral Services for Richard Joseph Conaway were held Friday, July 17, 2020 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Jimmy Decker officiating. Memories were shared by family and friends. Song selections played were “Take My Hand Precious Lord”, “Go Rest High On That Mountain”, “Jealous of the Angels”, “Mossy Oak Song”, and “Daddy’s Hands”. Serving as Pallbearers were A.J. Schafer, Brandon Schafer, Josh Conaway, Dereck Flowers, Mark Bolerjack, and Dale Conaway. Honorary Pallbearers were Logan Conaway and Andrew Conaway. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Richard Joseph Conaway and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com