On Jan. 8, 2009, Thomas W. Conway lost his courageous battle with lung cancer. Thomas passed away peacefully, surrounded by his friends and family. Thomas is now with his loving wife, Jeanne, and son, Thomas S. Conway.

Thomas was born in Glen Cove, N.Y., on March 19, 1940, to parents Vincent B. Conway and Dorothy M. Conway. In 2004, Thomas and Jeanne Conway moved from their home in Commack to Hutchinson, Kan., where they began their retirement.

Thomas was a strong, proud man who was known for his direct approach. Thomas leaves behind son, Michael Patrick Conway; sister-in-law, Beth Conway; brothers-in-law, Christian and Robert Scheurer; plus many nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him daily. Thomas made many close friendships during his time in Hutchinson, most notably with his daily coffee friends and friends from the local gun club.

A memorial service will be held for Thomas at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book Sunday through Tuesday at the mortuary. Following the service, friends and family are invited to Faith United Methodist Church on 30th Avenue, for a venue of food and refreshments.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.