Russell Eugene "Gene" Conaway, 76, of Springfield, passed away at 10:10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at St. John's Hospital after a long battle with Congestive Heart Failure. Gene was born July 26, 1944, in Sebree, KY, the son of Calvin and Lucille Conaway.  He grew up and attended school in Salem, MO, Sherman and Rochester IL.  He was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time with his neighbors, friends and family.  Gene loved to travel often jumping in the car for a weekend or week-long unplanned adventure.  In his younger days, Gene liked to hunt and fish with cousin Ernie or his brothers and often told fun stories of his childhood including fishing, swimming, racing cars and daily life of growing up with his very large family in the country.  In his later years he enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling often to visit family in Salem where he re-visited his steps growing up there. He especially enjoyed attending local car shows to show off his El Camino and going to concerts with his beloved wife Marsha Conaway whom he married August 22, 2002.  Gene will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  He is survived by wife, Marsha Conaway, three children, Lisa (Mike) Garrett of Williamsville, Brenda (Jim) Frick of Sherman and Jason Conaway of Mississippi; step-children Diane (Todd) Payne, Jennifer Singer, Lori (Tom) Hoagland, Angel (Andrew) Wilkin; seven grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Lucille Conaway, siblings Mary Ann Henderson, North Carolina, Shirley Conaway, Calvin Conaway, Richard (Sheila) Conaway, Roger Conaway all of Salem, MO and Linda (Bill) Trader of Loami, IL.  Siblings who survive are Jim (Shannon) Conaway of Salem, MO, Gary Conaway of Gainesville, TX, Gladys Barton of Galt, CA, Larry (Jean) Conaway of Springfield, IL, Carol (Albert) Mitchell, Dale Conaway of Salem, MO, Debbie Britton, Ron Conaway both of St. Robert, MO. Cremation was provided by Ellinger-Kunz Park Funeral Home prior to services.  Memorial ceremonies in both Springfield, IL as well as Salem, MO where interment will be made are planned for a future date and will be announced by the family.  Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.