Preston Olin Conaway of Laurel passed away on Dec. 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Preston was born on Jan. 16, 1925, to the late Olin Conaway and Olivette Moore Conaway. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army AirCorp during World War II and while he was stationed in Rome, Italy for three years, Preston was blessed by Pope Pius XII in 1944. He always believed this blessing allowed him to live a long life.
When his tour was complete, he returned home and married the love of his life Arlene Whaley, and they were happily married for over 75 years and had three wonderful children. Preston went to work for the E.I. Dupont company as a locksmith and had a long career of 39 years with them before retiring. He was always known for being a hard worker and great provider, for he was cutting grass and planting flowers in his beautiful garden until he was 88 years old. They enjoyed going on many family vacations, camping, fishing, and going to the beach.
Preston joined the Odd Fellows Lodge in Laurel on May 14, 1968 and was the oldest living member with over 55 years of dedication, as well as a 33-year member of the American Legion Post #19, and Past President of the Laurel Senior Center.
He is survived by his two sons, Gary Conaway and his wife Dawn, Dean Conaway and his wife Sharon; daughter, Jan Allen and her husband Jeff; grandchildren, Garon Conaway, Erika Conaway, Schyler Conaway, Derek Conaway (Cristina), Adam Conaway (Melissa), Ashton Lewis (Sean), Jared Allen, Jenna Hilovsky (Brad), and Justin Allen (Katie); step-grandson, Alex Bennington; great-grandchildren, Macie Hilovsky, Taylor Conaway, Taygan Conaway, Peyton Conaway, Gage Conaway, Preston Conaway, Daxon Conaway, Harper Lewis and Olivia Lewis; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Arlene Whaley Conaway; siblings, Ruth Waller (Norris), Norman Conaway (Hazel), Raymond Conaway (Margaret), and Herman Conaway (Betty Jane).
The Conaway family would like to extend a sincere “thank you” to his caregivers, Barb Dredden, Carol Richardson, and Susan Jestice, for the extra special care they gave their father.
A visitation was held on Saturday, Dec. 30 at the Elliott Building at Trinity Church in Laurel. A funeral service followed with Pastor Larry Whaley and Pastor Shane Phillips officiating. Interment followed with military honors in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. Contributions may be sent in honor of Preston Conaway to the Elliott’s Worship Center, 17237 Phillips Hill Road, Laurel, Delaware 19956. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.