CONWAY, Leo Mark 1944-1998

CONWAY, KERNAN, MOONEY, GILSON

Posted By: Mark KERNAN (email)
Date: 2/16/2004 at 11:50:50

Leo Conway

Leo Mark Conway, 54, of Big Rock, Ill., passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 2, 1998 following a battle with cancer since 1996.

He was born April 25, 1944 at Harpers Ferry, the son of Hugh Francis and Alice Marie (Kernan) Conway. The third oldest of 12 children, Leo grew up on a large farm in northeastern Iowa where he bagan his education in a one room schoolhouse.
He graduated fro St George High School in Lansing and studied electronics at DeVry Institute in Chicago, Ill. Following his graduation, he worked for Zenith Corporation until 1965 when he enlisted in the Army. Leo was stationed at a missile base in Germany for most of his tour until his discharge in 1967.

He was united in marriage to Penny Gilson on June 29, 1968. The couple made their home in the Chicago area where Leo was employed with the First National Bank of Chicago. Soon he returned to college at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle Campus, graduating in 1973 with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. Following graduation he was employed at Lyon Metal Products in Aurora, Ill. for several years before becoming Supervisor of Industrial Engineering at Rockwell International in Lemont, Ill, In most recent years, he was employed with Hampshire Speciality Products in Hampshire, Ill.

Leo was a member of the English Congregational United Church in Big Rock, where he ushered frequently. He was also a member of the S.M.E. Professional Engineering Societies and was a former member of the Aurora Moose Lodge.

He was devoted to his sons, proud of their academic, as well as athletic, achievements. He coached both their baseball and soccer teams. Although their was nothing above or before his family, Leo loved golf, playing bridge, and was a fan of Notre Dame, the Bears, Cubs, and the Bulls. A meticulous gardener as well, Leo was especially proud of the test roses he raised from Jackson Perkins.

He is survuved by his wife, Penny; two sons, Shawn and his fiancee Jennifer Henry of Aurora, and Steven of Big Rock; his mother Alice Conway of Harpers Ferry; 10 siblings, James and Sonja Conway of Lansing, Patrick and Sally Conway of Castelia, Mary and John O'Neill of Harpers Ferry, Daniel Conway of Lansing, Ellen Nierling of Monona, Hugh Eugene ans Svetlana Conway of Cape Girardeau, Mo., Michael and Lois Conway of Harpers Ferry, Rose and Don Ripperger of Lacona, John Conway of Harpers Ferry, and Raymond and Diane Conway of Polk City; three brother-in-laws, Silas and Mary Glisson of Lombard, Bill and Bonnie Glisson of Lexington, Kent., and Gil Glisson of Springfield, Ill.; many aunts and uncles, among whom Sister Mary Cyrilla of the Sisters of Presentation, Mt Loretto, Dubuque; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, co-workers, neighbors and members of the English Covenant United Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1990; one brother Joseph Conway; a sister-in-law, Josie Conway; his father and moth-in-law, Silas and Dorothy Glisson, Jr.; and his step-mother-in-law, Jacqueline Glisson.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 5, 1998 at 10:30a.m. at the English Congregational United Church of Christ in Big Rock. Pastor Byron Henn officiated. Burial was in the West Big Rock Cemetery. Conley Funeral Home in Elburn. Ill. was in charge of the arrangements.