Orison Conway

Orison Charles (Bud) Conway, age 96, of St. Louis, MI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 19, 2018.

According to Orison's wishes, a cremation has taken place and there will be no services. In honor of his military service, a private inurnment ceremony will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan at a later date.

Orison was born in Vassar, MI on July 26, 1921, the son Paul and Jannetta (Reed) Conway. He attended O'Connor Public Schools in Lupton, MI. Orison's father and uncle were instrumental in the development of Shady Shores Park in Lupton. Orison owned and operated Conway's Supermarket and Conway's Beer Garden on George Lake for many years.

On December 20, 1941, Orison married Dorothy Straight in Angola, IN. Orison and Dorothy raised their 3 sons in Shady Shores Park. They were also camp hosts at Tawas Point State Park during their retirement. Dorothy preceded him in death in 2004 after 62 years of marriage.

Orison proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. Before going overseas to his assigned MOS, he served in the Military Police. Orison was then a Combat Engineer Special Forces in the Asiatic Pacific Theater part of the Ryukyus Campaign for Okinawa, Japan. He received the rank of Tech Sergeant 5. Orison earned the Bronze Battle Star, Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, 1 Overseas Service Bar, 1 Service Stripe and a Good Conduct Medal.

Orison was a supervisor for Redman Manufacturing from 1965 until they closed. After Redman closed, he worked for Michigan Chemical and later retired from St. Louis IGA where he ran the meat department.

Orison survived by his children: son Douglass (Linda) Conway of Oscoda, MI, son Randy Conway of Lansing, MI, and Daughter-in-law Pamela Conway of Flushing, MI; 7 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great Great Grandchildren. Orison was preceded in death by his parents Paul & Jannetta Conway, his wife's parents Hiram & Florence Straight, wife Dorothy, son Melvin Lee Conway, grandson Christopher Conway, and sisters: Vera Cooley, and Pauline "Peggy" Nelson.

The Family asks that memorial contributions by made to the St. Louis VFW Post #3055, 1295 W. Monroe Rd., St. Louis, MI 48880. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.