Cecil W Conaway

Born Sept. 25, 1947 in St. Louis, Mo., he was the son of Marie Medley. 

Cecil married Barbara Edwards on October 25, 1997 in Creve Coeur.

Surviving are his wife; 4 children, Shawn (Shawna) Conaway Steelville, Missouri, Heather (Brad) Blumenstock of East Peoria, Sean (Tracy) Brown of Corydon, Ind. and Amie (Eric) Janski of Goodyear, Ariz.; 4 grandchildren, Jake, Paeton, Christian, and Sarah; 1 brother, Kerry (Debbie) Summers of Steelville; and 1 step-brother, Kenny (Margaret) Summers of Steelville.  He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Cecil was preceded in death by his mother and 1 brother.

He had worked as a vehicle technician for Federal Express for 17 years, last working in October 2009.  He also owned and operated C & S Automotive in East Peoria.  Previously, he had worked for ChemLawn in Spring Bay and Ray Dennison Chevrolet in Pekin.  He had also been a firefighter and a police officer in Bourbon, Mo.

Cecil had served in the U.S. Army in Korea.

Cecil had a passion for motorcycle riding, sharing a special bond with his fellow members of the BMW Motorcycle Club in Peoria. He especially enjoyed riding in the "Iron Butt" endurance events, in which he participated in the U.S. and in Europe.  He once rode from Alaska to Peoria, stopping only for food and gas.  He also enjoyed snowmobiling and scuba diving and was an avid NASCAR fan.

He was a member of Bethel Memorial United Church of Christ in Creve Coeur, where his funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 16, 2010.  Pastor Paul Isom will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 15th at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Memorial United Church of Christ, 201 S. Main St., Creve Coeur, IL 61610.