William H Conway Jr.

William H. Conway, Jr., Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the home due to complications from lung cancer.

The Rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 19 with a visitation and Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at The Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th, Leawood, Kansas. Burial following Mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Raytown, MO. Everyone is encouraged to wear green.

Bill was born on July 15, 1935, son of William and Nora Conway and was a proud resident of Kansas City, Missouri his entire life. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Grade School, Rockhurst High School and Kansas City University. He worked for the Department of Agriculture in various roles for 42 years, serving Presidents Eisenhower through Clinton.

Bill overcame a challenging childhood saying his best decision in life was marrying his wife Betty. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, uncle and cousin. He loved researching his family history and was proud of his Irish ancestry, tracing his roots back to County Galway and County Clare. He was an avid reader of mysteries and loved history. He was a proud Kansas City Royals season ticket holder, even during their most challenging seasons. He was a coach for the St. Thomas More Kick’ N Misses soccer team for 8 years and founded the Notre Dame de Sion High School soccer program.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Betty, his daughter and son-in-law, Bridget and Sam Robertson; his son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Amy Conway; son-in-law and daughter-in-law, John and Amy Holloway; adopted daughter Stephanie Deatherage; grandchildren Molly, Kate, Nora and Liam Conway; Will and Daniel Robertson and Charlie and Gretchen Holloway along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Colleen Holloway, grandson, Jack Robertson, in-laws Jack and Josephine Vaughn, and brothers John and Stephen Conway.

He was a truth teller who did not suffer fools lightly. He lived a good life and was not perfect, admittedly so. But he always said he did the best he could. And to him his family says, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Go mbeannai Dia is Muire duit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jack's Heart Fund, 4305 W. 94th Street, Prairie Village, KS 66207, established in memory of his grandson to help heart families with expenses while their children are hospitalized or to the Colleen Conway Holloway memorial scholarship fund at Notre Dame de Sion, 10631 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.