Conard “Dude” Conway, a member of the greatest generation, a decorated war hero, member of the Ohio Military Hall of Fame, Civic leader, Union leader and labor advocate, passed away, in the comfort of his family, on Thursday evening.
He was surrounded by family members and his wife of 65 years. They were married on Thanksgiving Day.
Dude was a man of vision and determination to make things better for everyone else. He experienced hardship that motivated him to be a positive influence in creating a better destiny for everyone he touched. He was a man who loved in deeds as well as in words. He was a powerful force in bringing about change to benefit the lives of people who needed opportunity.
He had genuine insight into the needs of people and was inspired by the Grace of God with earthly deeds and heavenly insights into the love of Christ.
Dude was born on March 29, 1922, to William and Catherine (Lonzo) Conway. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by two younger sisters at an early age, his sister Pauline Conway, and his two brothers, Jim (Eleanor) Conway and William (Flo) Dempster.
Dude is survived by his wife Rita (Zuccaro) Conway, and his eight children, Gina Spearman, Colleen (Timothy) Duffey, Patricia (William) Fulcher, Kelley Watson, Catherine McCarter, William Conway, Therese McGowan, and Nancy Fitzsimmons. He has numerous grandchildren that he loved dearly.
Dude was proud to be a member of the local AMVETS, and a life member to the VFW and Elks Clubs. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the ROTC program, 306 Coshocton Rd., Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050.
Friends may call on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home, 619 E. High Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 303 E. High Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. Rev. Father Daniel Olvera will be Celebrant. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Conard “Dude” Conway.
