Obituary of William O. Conaway

William O. Conaway, 65, of Celoron, passed away Friday August 1, 2014 in WCA Hospital following a lengthy illness with his family at his side. He was born August 8, 1948 in LaPorte, IN the son of the late Oliver and Sarah Klingler Conaway. He grew up in Franklin, PA. William began his medical career, serving as a medic in the US Navy onboard the USS Midway. While in the Navy, he sang with the Bluejacket Choir. Following his discharge, he worked as an Operating Room Technician at the Franklin Hospital in Franklin, PA. It was during that time when he was called to the ministry. He graduated from Houghton College and received his Masters in Divinity from the Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, OH. William served as youth pastor at Levant Wesleyan Church in Falconer, NY. He was later ordained an Elder in the Free Methodist Church, serving several churches in the Oil City Conference for many years. He continued his training at CPE, (Clinical Pastoral Education) at the Cleveland Clinic, and prior to his retirement due to failing health, served as a volunteer chaplain at the Ashtabula Medical Center, (ACMC) in Ashtabula, OH. William was also an accomplished musician and published author. Surviving are two sons, John (Brandy) Conaway of Jefferson, OH; Matthew Conaway of Euclid, OH; a daughter, Sarah (Francis) Fofie of Moon Twp, PA; 10 grandchildren, Caprisha, Brykel, De'Vonte, Tremaine, Matthew Jr., Alonna, Emmanuel, Laura, Olivia, and Lorenza; two great granddaughters, Lebraiah and Le'Anna; two sisters, Jenny (Rick) Logue of Franklin, PA; Gloria (Mike) Hogg of FL; a brother, David (Susie) Conaway of Fairfield, OH; and his former wife and friend, Susan Rudisille-Conaway of Seneca, PA. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Conaway. In accordance to Williams wishes, he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to fight Wegener's Granulomatosis Disease wgassociation.org; or the National Kidney Foundation www.kidney.org.