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John Connaway Obituary
November 24, 1936 - March 27, 2015
John F. Connaway, affectionately known as "Buck," passed away at home on March 27, 2015, with his family by his side. He was 78 years old.
He was born on November 24, 1936, to the union of John Henry Connaway and LaVara Henrietta George of Vona, CO. The family relocated to Delta, CO, during the Dust Bowl when Buck was a year old. He grew up in Delta and graduated from the Delta High School.
Buck married Janet Mae Gore on June 11, 1955, in Delta, CO. He and Janet moved to Grand Junction in 1985, where he started a plumbing contracting business, Connaway & Company, Inc.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction, CO. Buck also was a Past Exalted Ruler, and lifetime member, of the Delta BPOE #1235, and a member of Wheels West Car Club of Grand Junction, CO.
Buck volunteered his services to Grand Mesa Little League, loved boating on Lake Powell, was an avid Broncos and NASCAR fan, a life-long New York Yankees fan, a high school football referee, and still found time to attend all of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. Buck never met a stranger.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joan Helen Connaway.
Buck is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Janet, Grand Junction, CO; his son, James "Jim" (Lynn Silipigni) Connaway, Grand Junction, CO; his daughter, Debra (David) Whiteside, Loma, CO; his sister, Merna Rae (John) Pope, Delta, CO; his grandchildren, Christopher (Destiny and a future great-grandchild) Whiteside and Peter Whiteside; and his great-grandchild, Trevor Whiteside, all of Grand Junction, CO.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Avenue, Grand Junction, CO. Reverend Laura Cartwright will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090B N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506; or the Museum of Western Colorado, P O Box 20,000-5020, Grand Junction, CO 81502.
Condolences may be left for the family at MartinMortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Alice Muhr
April 13, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Buck was a very special man and your family was blessed to have him during his time on earth.
he suffers no more.
Bob Rausin
April 11, 2015
So sorry to read about Bucks passing, enjoyed his company at many Friday night dinners. It was my good fortune to have known him.
charlie kraai
April 9, 2015
sorry for your loss. Buck and family used to be fun neighbors in delta. sincerely, charlie
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Paul Maynard
April 7, 2015
Janet and family, we are so sorry to hear about Buck. He was a wonderful person and a lot of fun. We loved seeing and visiting with him at Lake Powell. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. He will be truly missed. Paul Maynard and Lyn Huber
JoJo Paswell
April 6, 2015
I am a friend of Lynn and Jim's and was sorry to hear about Buck's passing.
My sincerest sympathy to all of the family. The photo gallery was a tribute to a life well lived. Fondly, JoJo
April 6, 2015
Buck was the first person I met when I moved to Grand Junction a few years ago. He got me involved in the Wheels West Car Club. My condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Roger Bishop
K. Don Thompson
April 5, 2015
Buck was a member of our Friday night dinner club. Most of this group went to school together and remained friends for over 60 years. Bck will be missed by all.
April 5, 2015
Buck was a member of our Friday night dinner club. Most of this group went to school together and remained friends for over 60 years. Bck will be missed by all.
April 5, 2015
Many memories of a man who enjoyed life.
Pat Cockroft
Elena Ritchhart
April 4, 2015
I am the daughter of Buck's cousin Gerry Connaway-Ritchhart. My brother and I always referred to him as "Uncle Buck". We didn't live close so our visits were few but I will never forget the summer Buck taught me how to water ski. He was so patient and didn't care how many times he had to stop the boat, turn it around and pick me up because I had wiped out. That was an amazing time for me. The world will miss this wonderful,kind man and his welcoming smile will forever be in my heart.
Elena Ritchhart
April 4, 2015
I'm the daughter of Buck's cousin Gerry Connaway-Ritchhart. My brother and I referred to John as "Uncle Buck" My most memorable time with Buck was the summer he taught us how to water ski. He was so patient and didn't care how many times he had to stop the boat and come around to pick me up because I wiped-out. It was an amazing time in my childhood and I will never forget his warm heart, his welcoming smile and how he always made me feel special. The world will miss this wonderful man but he will forever be in my heart.
Buck Thanksgiving 2013
Karen Kelly
April 4, 2015
Dear Connaway/Whiteside families, a beautiful video tribute to a beautiful soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Karen Kelly, Lyle and Kyle Webb
Joe Ellis
April 3, 2015
Eve's parents,Joe & Helen McDonald, came to Delta about the same time as the Connaway family, and also to leave the dust bowl, so I can't remember NOT knowing Buck Joe Ellis
Bill Perry and Buck Connaway
William Perry
April 3, 2015
I saw Buck for the first time when he strolled into our Civics class on my first day as a freshman, at Delta High School. I soon got to know him as a rambunctious, somewhat rebellious guy. Later, he came to class with a split lip, suffered in a motorcycle accident and I added "toughness"" to my perception of him. Nevertheless, he became a friend that anyone would want to have. I sense, from the wonderful tribute I just watched, that he remained that way throughout his life. I last saw Buck at our Fiftieth Class Reunion. In the attached photo taken there, we were in deep conversation about the Denver Broncos. I thought about Buck several times on December 2, 2011, when I sat in the stadium in Denver, watching the Broncos defeat my beloved Chicago Bears. I still wonder if Buck was also there that day. I'm sure Heaven will always be a better place with Buck's arrival. My condolences to Janet and her family.
Laura Riddle
April 3, 2015
Buck was one of my very favorite people. He was always so thoughtful and took care of everyone around him. He touched so many life's with his kindness and easy way. I will miss him and his big hugs. Heaven gained quite the angel, I am sure he will be watching over you all. I hope all the your memories and wonderful times spent with him will ease your sorrow.
Bob and Nelda Barnes
April 3, 2015
Sorry to hear about Buck. We know he will be greatly missed.
April 2, 2015
Janet and family, I am so sorry to hear about Buck. I know how much you will all miss him. I send my heartfelt sympathy. Shirley Taylor
Jo Ann Seele
April 2, 2015
I only had the pleasure of meeting Buck a few times in life, but I know he was a great person by all the nice things everyone always had to say about him. Much love to your family Buck, you inspired a great number of people.
Jo Ann GJT
April 1, 2015
What a lovely tribute to a great man. Very nicely done.
Gloria and Roy.
April 1, 2015
Did not know him well but liked him very much. Sure he will be missed. Confidences to all his family. Flossy&Nila Banks. Salisbury,NC
Glenn Pope
March 28, 2015
Aunt Janet, Cousins Deb & Jim,
Uncle Buck was a great man, a loving and caring husband, father and uncle & friend to so many people. We loved him so much as we know too how much you loved him. We will miss him dearly and please know how much he was loved by us and by so many others. Heaven is a more wonderful place today with him there. He is in God's arms and care now . . . we love him and love you all so much too.
Glenn & Lisa
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550 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
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