Melvin E. "Connie" Connaway of Farmington passed away on Aug. 22, 2008, at Southbrook Skilled Nursing Center, at the age of 81 years.

He was a salesman for Cook Paint and Varnish Co. for 29 years before retiring in 1980.

He was born on Nov. 3, 1926, in Mt. Vernon, the son of the late Omar and Becia (Hanley) Connaway.

Mr. Connaway served his country in the U. S. Naval Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Helion Lodge NO.1 F & A.M., Huntsville, Ala., and The Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois and Moolah Shrine Center of St. Louis. He was an Ambassador of Moolah Shrine Center and served as a Potentates Aide to several Potentates. He was a life member and past president of Kansas City, Mo., Shrine Club, a Director Emeritus of E.C.M.O., and a member of Farmington Elk's Lodge 1765.

He is survived by many good friends and neighbors in the Farmington area.

At Mr. Connaway's request there will be no services. His remains will be laid to rest with his parents in Bethel Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Vernon.

Memorials may be made to the St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome.com for further information and to send condolences.