Mr. Lee Dell "LD" Conway

Mr. Lee Dell Conway’s life journey began on November 24, 1927 in Hope, Arkansas and ended as he stepped into eternity on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the age of 89. Mr. Conway, known as “L.D.” to all who loved him, was the third child born to Curtis Conway and Edith Holston. As with any journey, L.D. experienced many peaks and valleys. His first valley experience was at the age of five when his mother died suddenly. After her death, L.D. went to live with his grandmother, Maggie Holston. Those were difficult years for L.D. and he longed to escape the racism and oppression of the South. In search of a better life, L.D. left Hope, Arkansas at the young age of 17 and migrated north to Carrollton, Michigan. Mr. Conway’s journey to Michigan was the beginning of many peak life experiences. When he arrived in Carrollton, he was determined to work for General Motors. L.D. would arrive early every morning at the entrance gate of the Grey Iron Foundry with the hope of gaining employment. For weeks he was told he either looked too young or could not perform the work. L.D. was persistent and was given an opportunity to work for a week on a trial basis. As a result of his impeccable work ethic, L.D. exceeded expectations and worked for the Grey Iron Foundry for 44 years as a Crane Operator and rarely missed a day of work. For many years, L.D. also worked part-time for Davis Remodeling where he gained expertise in the trade of painting. Not only was he eager to use his new skill to help family, he would later pass them down to his children and grandchildren. Mr. Conway’s personal and professional life was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1951. He proudly served his Country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953. L.D. has always been a man of excellence even during his time in the Army. He would often receive weekend passes home in recognition of his attention to detail regarding his appearance especially his shoes. Throughout his life, L.D. was known for his meticulous dress. He often referred to himself as being “Dapper”. L.D. was blessed to form a life-long relationship with Rosa Lee VanTurner. Through the years they often laughed about the time he spent his entire paycheck trying to win a teddy bear for her at a local carnival. They were married on November 6, 1950 and from their union, six beautiful children were born. After 17 years of marriage, L.D. and Rosa Lee divorced but continued a unique relationship and remained the best of friends. L.D. has always had a passion for travel, and that passion continued into retirement. Shortly before his retirement, during his travel, L.D. met Antoinette Lynch and a life-long relationship was formed. From that relationship, they were blessed with the birth of their son Joshua. In addition to his passion for travel, L.D loved to play dominoes and was known amongst his family as the “Domino King”. He took pride in teaching his children and grandchildren the game. L.D. was also an avid walker. During the peak of his life, he walked five miles a day. Mr. Conway was given the opportunity to rededicate his life to the Lord when a Pastor from First Baptist Church of Bridgeport knocked on his door. He became a dedicated member on October 29, 1995 attending church every Sunday until his health began to decline. L.D. leaves to cherish his memory; his loving children, Leah Ann O’Daniels, Houston, TX, Larry Conway (Gwenda) and Vivian Rankins (Howard), both of Saginaw, MI, Gigi Simmons and Joshua Conway, both of Las Vegas, NV; one sister Jettie Broussard, Inglewood, CA; eight granddaughters, Stacey (Fred) Pritchett, Columbia, SC, Deidra Conway, Charlotte, NC, Tamar (Aaron) Chipp, Nashville, TN, Dr. Gigi J. Simmons, Las Vegas, NV, Alexis Rankins and Leah L. O’Daniels, both of Pearland, TX, Stacy Moore, Saginaw, MI, Briana Huntley-Oates (James), Prattville, AL; seven grandsons Deon Conway, Sr., Edward Conway, and Kenneth Dillard, all of Saginaw, MI, Luther M. O’Daniels, Jr. and Tobaris Doss, both of Las Vegas, NV, and Craige O’Daniels, Sr. and William Harris both of Houston, TX; 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; former wife, Rosa L. Conway; mother of his son, Antoinette Lynch, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. L.D. was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Conway and Edith Wyatt; grandmother Maggie Holston; sons Edward Craige and Trent Conway; sisters, Archie Williams and Ruby Kirk; brother, James Holston; sons-in-law, Luther M. O’Daniels, Sr. and Bruce E. Simmons. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, 2400 King Road. Pastor R.B. Ouellette will officiate. Interment will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI Sunday from 2:00 until 8: 00 p.m.

Mr. Lee Dell "LD" Conway

November 24, 1927 - July 29, 2017