Gary M. Conway

Gary Morse Conway, 78, of Monmouth, IL, went Home to his Lord on March 6, 2025, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

Born to Lyle & Frances Conway on April 25th, 1946, in Monmouth, Illinois, he grew up in Berwick, IL on the family farm. He received his degree in Aviation Technology at Southern Illinois University.

It was at SIU that Gary met the love of his life, Lynn Liebenthal. They were married on December 30, 1967, during their college years. The Vietnam War was raging when Gary graduated.

The next chapter of his life was serving in the Army on the front lines as a Staff Sergeant for the 1st Cavalry. For his service, he received many medals, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

When his duty was over, he returned home to the family farm. A safe place to raise their family. A tranquil place to heal from the horror of the Vietnam War. Gary also started his own cross-country trucking company to complement his farming business. He later would leave the trucking business to join Riverland FS until his retirement in 2012.

Gary was a voracious reader of westerns, mysteries, and historical fiction. A loyal Chicago Bears fan, he would cheer their wins and bemoan their losses. Mornings would find him at coffee with friends solving local, state, and country problems. He was always up for traveling adventures, while also being perfectly content outside, puttering in his yard.

Gary had an unwavering faith in God and his faith only grew stronger in his final years of life. Helping at his church, First Christian Church, always brought him joy!

He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Conway, and their sons Brad (Brittany) Conway of Morton, IL, David Conway of Stevenson Ranch, CA and daughter, Catherine Conway of San Francisco, CA, as well as, his brother Jim (Barbara) Conway of San Ramon, CA

He enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren Noah Conway, Cameron Conway, Juliet Conway, Jase Conway, and Jake Barnewolt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Lyle Conway.

You ran the race set out before you. You are now resting in the arms of our loving Father. You finished well.

Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the First Christian Church, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Memorials can be made to the First Christian Church of Monmouth or Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR). McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.