Michael James Conway

Michael James Conway

1945 -2013

Michael was born in Austin, Minnesota, to James Howard and Lela Katherine (Wheeler) Conway. The oldest of five children, he was the beloved big brother to Mary Anne Conway  of Tonganoxie, Kansas,  John  Patrick Conway of Loveland, Colorado,  Jeanne Evelyn Murry of Lenexa, Kansas,  and Kelly Oran Conway of Topeka, Kansas.  Michael graduated from Tonganoxie High School in 1963 where he proudly played left tackle on the undefeated football team his senior year. He later earned a degree from the University of Kansas and remained a lifelong Jayhawk fan. His marriage to Carol Wing in 1965 gave him his two treasured sons, James Christopher born in 1966 and David Michael born in 1969. He was their coach, fan, mentor and example.

Michael married Micky Simpson Gordon on June 27, 1998. It was love at first sight, meeting on a blind date with Michael wearing tight jeans and cowboy boots, driving old “Brownie” truck.

Michael was an avid outdoorsman and taught his sons to hunt, fish, water ski, and ride motorcycles at a young age, just as his father had taught him. Michael loved fishing in Canada and pheasant hunting in Kansas with his father, brother, sons and lifelong friends, only missing opening day due to military service or in later years hospitalization.  Needless to say, Michael collected firearms and fishing gear and always drove a truck. His other passions were traveling and scuba diving trips with his grandchildren, son David, daughter-in-law Laurie and her extended family. Throughout his life, Michael’s primary focus was spending time with family. He was a true handy man and Jack of all trades, helping to either build or remodel homes for his parents, brother, and himself. He took pride in his work and in his tools.

Michael began working as a child delivering both newspapers and groceries and throwing hay bales. He often worked two jobs at a time. Hard work and loyalty were the cornerstones of Michael’s character.  He would proudly point out the many bridges that he helped build all over the metro area in his many years in bridge construction work. Michael also worked in mortuary services for several years before changing to mainframe computer storage at UMB Bank. Michael retired after more than 25 years  at UMB in 2011.

Michael died at home on June 18, 2013, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his son James Chrostopher and his parents. Michael is survived by his wife Micky Conway; his son David Michael Conway and wife Laurie of Lawrence, Kansas; daughter-in-law Jennifer Conway of Tonganoxie, Kansas; step-daughter Sarah Berlin and husband Brian of Leawood, Kansas; step-son Luke Gordon of Kansas City, Missouri; step-son Philip Gordon  and wife Lorie of Kansas City, Missouri; nine grandchildren: Dawson Conway, Berit Conway, Krista Williams, Colton Conway, Dakota Conway, Katherine Conway, Thomas Berlin, Benjamin Gordon and Jack Gordon, and a large extended family.

Visitation will be 3-4 PM with Celebration of Life to follow at 4 PM, Saturday, June 22, 2013, at North Cross United Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Rd., Kansas City, Missouri. Fond memories and condolences may be left at Cremation Center of Kansas City, cremationcenterkc.com.  Memorials may be sent to American Cancer Society, In Care of: North Cross United Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64118 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.