Alan D. Conway

On Saturday, May 29, 2021, Alan Duane Conway passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Chandler, OK surrounded by family. Alan was the youngest of 9 children born to John J. and Alice (Stearley) Conway on February 12, 1938 in West Tulsa, OK. Raised between the Texaco refinery and Frisco railyard, in the shadow of Lookout Mountain, he began his education in Tulsa, graduating from Tulsa Central High School in 1956, then attending Tulsa University and Central State University. In 1964, Alan began working for Frontier Printing in Stillwater, OK. On the day of his job interview he saw a beautiful woman, Dolores Esparza, and stated prophetically then and there that someday he would marry her. Alan joined Battery A, 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery (FA) of the 45th Infantry Division, Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1961. He served his state and country honorably, retiring as Command Sergeant Major in 1998. In 1965 he was offered a full-time position with the Guard at HHB, 1/160 FA in Chandler. He married Dolores in Stillwater on April 23, 1966 and they made their home in Chandler where he lived for the rest of his life. Some of his fondest memories were the years with his brothers in arms in the 160th and the 45th Division and Brigade. During his 37 years in the Army Guard, he served in training missions in all corners of the United States, and Central America. In addition, he deployed for natural disasters and national emergencies many times and served during periods of active duty. Alan was the recipient of the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement medal, and the US Army Recruiters Badge. After retiring from the Army, Alan never truly stopped working. He eventually retired from the Lincoln County Assessor’s office where he enjoyed his years traveling to every corner of the county. Alan served the Chandler Fire Department for 20 years as a firefighter and EMT. He was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 111, Girl Scout volunteer, and local coordinator of the Red Cross blood drives for many years. He served as the President of the Lincoln Co. Historical Society and was a President and Zone Chairman for the International Lions Club. Alan was a devoted member of the parish at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Alan was a man about the town, sitting in on many different coffee groups at various locations, but loyal to the end to his favorite. His hobby was helping others, he always made sure strangers were welcome, that people had a ride and a place to stay, and volunteer needs were met. Alan’s love and kindness for others touched so many. His caring heart, and compassionate spirit will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his 8 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dolores; his children Cathy Lawrence and husband Ken, James Conway, Steven Conway and wife Inda Jo, and Alanna Lowe. His 10 grandchildren Kyle and wife Caitlyn, Jaclyn and husband Dustin, Dayna, Hunter and wife Katie, Johnnathan, Adam, Francisco, Sydney and wife Emma, Alison, Conner, and 2 great grandchildren Rigel and Emelia, with another on the way. He cared for his brothers and sisters-in-law as siblings and his nieces and nephews, who he loved as his children, were a great joy. A Service will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church at 11:00 AM on June 12, 2021, with a reception following. The family welcomes memorials and donations to the American Red Cross. And in honor of Alan and all his help and commitment to this community the family and Parks Brothers have set up a memorial blood drive on June 29, 2021 from 9-2pm at Parks Brothers in Chandler, OK. Condolences may be offered online at www.parksbrothers.net. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler, OK.