Small Town News

Eugene "Gene" Conwell

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Eugene "Gene" Conwell, 82, of Salina, KS died Sunday, April 25, 2010. He was born November 24, 1927 in Zeandale, KS. to Ben and Bernice (Craig) Conwell. On August 9, 1975, he married Carolyn Scofield Chatfield.

He left high school after his junior year to join the Navy in 1945 at the age of 17. He served on the Battleship USS South Dakota. After an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, he returned to complete his senior year at Dwight High School. After graduation, Gene completed Barber College in Denver. He owned and operated Conwell's Barber Shop in Newton, Kansas until 1972. He decided to hang up his shears, but stay close to the business when he purchased Eller Bros. Barber and Beauty Supply in Salina, Ks. He operated Eller Bros, until his retirement in 1992. Finding retirement lacking challenges, he delivered buses for ElDorado National. He made it a point to drive through every state in the contiguous U.S. to deliver buses.

A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, Gene had many wonderful friends at First United Methodist Church in Salina. At the age of 72, still seeking new challenges, and fulfilling his desire to serve God and help others, he went on a mission trip to Honduras with members of First Church Salina. He also went on a mission trip to Henderson Settlement in Kentucky in 2005.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gordon and Maurice "Pete" Conwell and sister, Virginia Pederson.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn; sons, Alan Conwell and wife Jana of Salina, Robin Conwell and wife Anna of Franktown, Colorado, and stepson Ryan Chatfield and wife Allison of Hemet, California; 5 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; a brother, Don Conwell of Council Grove; a sister-in-law, Mary Conwell of Houston, Texas and nieces Kimberly Lowe of Richmond, Texas and Jo Ellen Eby of Sugarland, Texas.

Gene will be remembered by his family and friends for his faithful Christian walk, loving, caring ways, his ornery sense of humor and his positive outlook on life.

A memorials service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2010 at First United Methodist Church, 122 N. Eighth in Salina with the Rev. Troy Bowers officiating. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.

Memorials honoring the Hfe of Gene <|cmwell may be made to th$ te^^fa and sent in <»re of Ry% $Iktuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit

www.ryanmortuary.com.



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© 2010 The Prairie Post White City, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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