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ALFRED CONWAY Obituary

Alfred Joseph Conway, of Kearney, MO, passed away Friday, Aug. 3, 2012 in North Kansas City Hospital. Al was born to Adolph and Sophia (Suspinski) Conway on March 16, 1930. Alfred is survived by his two brothers, Edward Conway of Chicago, IL, and Robert Conway of Morgantown, IN. He is also survived by his two sisters, Ann Walton of Kansas City, MO, and Mary Jane Conway of Kansas City, MO. Al was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Sue Francis (Holloway), who died in 1993, with whom he had 5 children: Robert Michael (Karen) Conway of Vancouver, WA, Susan Elaine (Roger Sapper) Cordes of Leon, IA, James Edward (Cindy) Conway of Kansas City, MO, David Vincent (Linda) Conway of Colorado Springs, CO, and Patty Jo (Chris) Higgins of Kansas City, MO. All children survive Al. Al had 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. In 1995 Al married Beverly (Fellows), who died in 2008. Following Bev's death, Al moved back to the Kansas City area to be near family and friends, where he settled in Kearney, MO. While living in Kearney, Al rekindled a friendship with childhood friend Yvonne (Sis) McFarland (Yager), whom he knew from Avondale. Sis became Al's loving companion and cohort until his death. Al had an undeniable God-given talent for athletics. He graduated in 1948 from NKC High School, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, track and football. Football was where his destiny lie, having taken NKCHS to the Conference title. Upon graduating, Al entered West Point Military Academy, where again his talents were allowed to shine in track and on the gridiron. Al finished his college career at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, where he was selected the All-American Running Back of 1952. He became the first round draft choice for the Philadelphia Eagles. His years with the Eagles ended due to recurring injuries, and Al returned to NKCHS, where he coached football and taught mathematics. He brought the football team to an undefeated season and a state championship in 1955. Alfred subsequently became employed at Cook Paint and Varnish Company of North Kansas City, where he worked for 28 years. He continued to referee high school basketball, and Big 8 Conference baseball and football, often toting 3 or 4 of his children to the games. In 1969, he became an NFL football umpire with Pat Haggerty's crew, and he remained with the NFL for 32 years. Al officiated 4 Super Bowls on the field, and attended 2 as alternate. Al moved to the replay booth from the field later in his career. Al's career with the NFL and WFL allowed him the opportunity to travel across the globe, and enjoy those travels with his wife. Al was not only an outstanding athlete, but was civic and service-minded as well. He was a former president of the St. Louis Officials Association, and a former president of the NFL Referee Association. He was humbled and honored to be inducted into the North Kansas City High School Hall of Fame, the NAIA Hall of Fame, William Jewell College Hall of Fame, as well as the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Al continued to be a supporter of the Boys Scouts of America all his life. When not working, he spent his time at 'the farm', looking for mushrooms, fishing, burning fields, golfing, hunting, and 'junking'. Al's journey touched many lives. The family would like to extend thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of NKC Hospital, especially on floors 10 and 11, who were most gracious and helpful at all time. In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made to William Jewell College Athletic Program and/or Boys Town of Missouri. Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 at St. Charles Catholic Church. The Family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, 2012 at White Chapel Funeral Home. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnwhitechapel.com (Arrangements by D.W. Newcomers Sons White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 N. Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119, 816-452-8419) D

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Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ALFRED CONWAY

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Clifton Collins "Eddie"

December 28, 2021

I was a junior at NKC High School when Al was senior. I was on the track team with him. He was one of the most considerate Individuals I have known.

Amar Smith

June 19, 2013

al this is your old buddy Amar Smith here and I know you are with Steve Sabol right now in heaven talking NFL Football when I found out about your passing late in the summer I was very stunned to hear your passing but just a few months ago I talk with your old buddy Red Cashion which referee you work for during the strike year of 1987 also 1988 regular season and 1996 season and Alt together in Super Bowl XXV January 27th 1991 he stays in touch with your family but I will never forget those conversations we had in the last decade of the 20th century was a fun time for me and I will never forget them RIP Al and see you in heaven

Keith U.

September 19, 2012

Just found out about Mr.Conway's passing...Worked with him a while back at Crownline boats..Looked forward to talking to him the following week after he reffed a game..was a very kind and friendly man..Al you will be missed

Rich & Barb Eichhorst

August 20, 2012

Very sorry to just learn of Al's passing. He was a good friend for so many years. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Rich & Barb Eichhorst

Bennie Moore

August 10, 2012

You have my deepest sympathy and condolences. May God Bless and Comfort you.

alfred conway

August 8, 2012

my dear brother al u will be missed so much and you're loved so much
your loving sister
janey conway loar

August 7, 2012

Mike,Susie,Jim,Dave,Patty, Gary and I were so sorry to hear about the death of Al. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We have been gone and did not hear in time to attend the funeral. Sincerely, Gary and Linda Powell

Les Thompson

August 6, 2012

I will always be thankful for the opportunity Al gave my son Tim to play baseball when we moved to K.C. in 197l. The season had already started and the teams were full but Al saw to it that Tim would be able to play either with his team or on another team. Thanks

August 6, 2012

Competitor in HS, teamate at Jewel. A great man to work for and true friend. God Bless to the family.
Earl Cecil, Port Charlotte, Florida

dick Foster

August 6, 2012

August 06,2012 Our Symapathy goes out to the family. Al and I were Roomates at William Jewell. He helped me get stared in coaching. We stayed in touch over the years. Iremenber the kids growen up and how proud he was of each one. I rember whem he and Sue stared dating I was in their weding. Al was one of the greatest athlete i was ever aroud,he could do it all.We had alot great times to gether. GOD BLESS the family.Dick Foster Coffeyville KS

Nan Foster

August 6, 2012

Al was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. He graduated NKCHS in 1948 with my sister Pat Foster. I graduated in 1950 and Al worked with my Father, Raymond Foster at Cook Paint & Varnish Company. My Father was Captain of the Football Team NKC in 1925 and was so excited when Al went to work there. My deepest Sympathy to all of this family. Nan M. Foster/Hornet

August 6, 2012

I'd like to express my condolences to the family. You know he was a VIP to me and my family. When my dad passed I remember he planted a red bud tree for mom it meant so much to her.
Michelle Oakley-Laramore aka "Mush"

August 6, 2012

Great guy, onery guy, people guy, fun loving guy!
Richard and Phyllis Stevens

alfred conway

August 6, 2012

uncle al u will be missed alot
and love and prayers
your nephew gary ben conway loar
and wife jeannie loar

Rowena Balkey-Bartels

August 6, 2012

I went to school with Al elementary at old Cooley School. High school at North Kansas City and we graduated together in 1948. My condolences to the family.

Jill Bauer

August 6, 2012

I worked with Al at Crownline Boats. He was a great guy. I especially enjoyed talking football with him. He had some fascinating stories. Al also talked about his kids -- he was so proud of them. I'm going miss Al but will think of him every Sunday. Rest in peace Coach!

Bill and Pat Ross

August 5, 2012

Our condolences to the Conway family. Bill and I enjoyed knowing Al and Bill enjoyed working with him officiating high school, college and NFL games.
Our blessings to all of you.

August 5, 2012

Our sympathy goes out to the family at this time of loss. Worked with Al many years at Cook Paint. He will be missed by many.

Glenn and Joan fowler

Eva Barnes Lindsay

August 5, 2012

My sympathy to the family at this time of loss. Alfred was my math teather in 54-55. I greatly admired him.
Praying for the family in Jesus name.

Phil Snowden

August 5, 2012

I regret being unable to attend the service. To brothers Ed and Bobbie and all of the family the loss of Coach Al is heartfelt. He molded many young men while coaching at NKCHS and in my entire life he is one of two men that I most admired. Coach Al Conway was a legend to the Class of 1956 and loved by all. My family sends our best wishes to the Conway family

Lois Thompson Faulconer

August 5, 2012

I grew up across the street from Al since I was 7 years old. We were proud of his athletic ability and he was a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. He came to the visitation for my sister in 2009 and it was so good to see him. My deepest sympathy to his children, siblings and to "Sis". May God comfort you at this time.

Steve & Debi McFarland

August 5, 2012

I was privileged to know Al if only for a short time. We played several rounds of golf over the past three years and I enjoyed every one of them.
He was my moms constant companion and I got used to seeing Al every Monday and Wednesday night when I would go by to vist my mom. Al would be watching reruns of "Gunsmoke" and enjoying a glass of wine.
When my mom became ill in 2011 and was hospitalized for several weeks, Al was there everyday. He was a wonderful companion for my mom and a good friend to me. Al will be missed. God bless him.

HARRY TEETER, JR

August 5, 2012

Mentor and friend, until we meet again.
Harry Teeter, Jr
NKCHS Class of 55

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