Thomas Conaway

Thomas Gay Conaway, 102, of Baker City, passed away at home on November 25, 2024 surrounded by his family. A graveside service with military honors will be held on May 10, 2025~ 1 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City, OR.

Thomas was born July 17, 1922 in Shoshone, Idaho.  He was raised in Belfountain, Sumpter, and Baker OR. As a child, his family once lived in a dugout where the high-water mark was, along the Snake River near Huntington.  Later in life, he lived in Anchorage, AK, Durkee, Klamath Falls and La Grande, OR. He achieved his GED in 1987.

Thomas joined in the United States Army 736th Tank Battalion. He served during WWII and was in the Battle of the Bulge.

He married Myrtle Marie Meacham, but they later divorced. He then married Leanna Braswell and they too later divorced. He met Sue Hansen while they were both working on a job for the Alaska Oil Pipeline.  His job included being suspended off a 2,000-foot cliff, in a dozer. As he worked, Sue stopped him to say that she said she had to meet and kiss the bravest man she ever knew.

Thomas worked as a mechanic, welder, and heavy equipment operator.

His treasured time of year was hunting season, especially when it came to deer and elk.  He liked to fish and always caught the biggest fish!  He enjoyed trapping, playing cards, camping and metal detecting. His favorite song was the “Red River Valley”.

He was gifted at spelling, in fact, there was not a word that he could not spell.  Thomas was proficient in 5 different languages. He was so proficient, that the United Nations even asked him if he would consider working for them as an interpreter. He lived by the philosophy to “learn all your life and never lie”. Thomas will be remembered for being a hard worker and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his life partner Sue Hansen; parents Thomas and Lena (McCoy) Conaway Brittain; daughter Carolyn Beck; brothers Ralph and Chancey Conaway, Roy Brittain; sisters Thelma Callahan and Delores Roper; granddaughter Angie Mawhinney and great granddaughter Ashley Colton.

Thomas is survived by his daughter Gayle Steele; son Mevin G. Conaway; 7 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; and generations of step children and family.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Thomas the family suggest either Best Friends or your local VFW through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.  

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.