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Chester “Chet” Earle Connaway, 90, of Texico, Illinois, passed away at 2:45 pm October 2, 2022 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon. He was born March 15, 1932 in Texico, Illinois to the late Arthur and Mary Connaway. Chet married Barbara Connaway on December 25, 1952 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

In addition to his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Chet is survived by his children, Dee Lynn Hicks of Texico, Illinois, Shelly McFarlin and fiancé, Dave Dubay of Texico, Illinois, Beth Ann Head and friend, Darrell Jones of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Robert Goldman Connaway of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Lee Anne Connaway of Mount Vernon, Illinois; grandchildren, Michael Hicks, Karen Rich, Bekkah Johnson, Garrett McFarlin, Larry Hardig III, Micah Hardig, Paislee Connaway, Rivers Connaway, Bodhi Connaway and Zelda Farris; great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sandra Smith and Norma Bowles and husband, Charles Setzekorn; brothers-in-law, Doug Smith and wife, Maren and Martin Smith and wife, Cathy.

In addition to his parents, Chet was preceded in death by his brothers, Clark, Wesley, Donald and Hershal Connaway; sisters, Christina Mancell and Florence Tweed; sons-in-law, Chuck Hicks, Lynn McFarlin, Mark “Skinny” Rich and Randy Goldman; brother-in-law, Don Smith; nephew, Clifford Connaway; and niece, Leslie Thackrey.

Chet retired from Illinois Veterans Affairs as the Southern Illinois Supervisor and was an avid reader and loved history. Chet spent most of his career working full-time with the Illinois National Guard at the armory in Mt. Vernon, Illinois . He served in the US Army during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts.  He served a total of 40 years in military related service, accumulating several awards, medals and honors. Chet was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois where he served as Secretary for 20 years. He also served on the Field Grade School Board for 27 years. He was also nominated as a Jefferson County Senior Saint in the early 2000s.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 pm with Reverend Paul Widicus officiating.  Memorials may be made in Chet’s honor to Disabled American Veterans and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.