On Friday February 13, 2026 Sheen Thomas Conway left this earthly world to shine on in the heavens. He passed in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota that he loved. He was doing what he did best, working, a habit he could not step back from, to provide firewood to keep his family warm. A sudden heart failure caused his passing.

Sheen was born on September 18, 1953 in Livingston Montana to Thomas Stacey Conway and Edith Hope (Baty) Conway. Sheen was raised in the Paradise Valley and graduated from Park Senior High. He enlisted in the Army in 1973 and honorably discharged from active duty in 1976 continuing in the National Guard until 1979. Upon his return from active duty, he worked in Livingston on the green chain at the sawmill. He secured a position with the railroad as a section laborer in 1977 which led him to Glendive Montana in the summer of 1977 as a laborer. He then received a machinist apprenticeship in 1978. This position would be his career for 36+ years and take him to three states. He retired from the railroad in 2014 at Guernsey, Wyoming .

Sheen met Patricia Marie Barnes in 1976 in Livingston Montana. They were married in 1977 in Winnemucca Nevada. Sheen and Patricia started their life together in Glendive and welcomed two beautiful daughters to their family. Cristi arrived in 1978 followed by Shawna in 1980. While in Glendive Sheen was a leader in shooting sports for the Jaycee’s. Sheen was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren where the most precious part of his life. Being a part of their lives and activities was his greatest pleasure. He was a mentor to them, teaching them through kindness, humor and strength to appreciate all of life. From fishing, boating, sledding, riding horses, raising cattle, hunting, playing cards, chess and enjoying the outdoors. Sheen was so very proud of each and every one of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He had the honor of pinning his grandson Jaden at his AIT graduation. He was honored to walk his granddaughter Jozy down the aisle in December. He was looking forward to his granddaughter Keana’s graduation in December 2026 from Arizona State. He enjoyed a trip to Mackinaw Island with Kaylee and in June of 2027 she will be graduating from high school that he was looking forward to attend. Always encouraging the grandchildren to reach for the stars and shine bright in whatever you choose to do. He loved holding them in his arms and watching them grow. His great-granddaughter was his newest joy and was able to have some very precious moments with her.

Sheen was a HUGE Notre Dame fan and loved his football. He attended games in Colorado and was able to visit South Bend in 2023 with his youngest daughter and family. His love for Notre Dame was shared by his daughters and grandchildren and even his great-granddaughter had been initiated into the wearing of the Blue and Gold.

Sheen was a very simple man, with a heart of gold and a moral compass that is rarely seen nowadays. He was willing to step up and help anyone in need. He was pretty good at joking and would debate on many subjects. He loved this country, loved history, loved fishing, riding his side-by-side, was willing to take on hiking trails, hunting for rocks with his daughter, sitting on the porch enjoying the birds, the deer and the peace of the area. Sheen also was quite the gardener and produced some great vegetables and flowers. He was handy at fixing many things and wanted a tidy home and property. He unfortunately did not finish his project car, a 1969 Ford Mustang.

Sheen is survived by his wife of 48 years Patricia, daughters Cristi Conway McDuffie of Custer, Shawna Conway Fox (Jeremy) of Hermantown, Minnesota, grandchildren Jaden McDuffie (Amanda Dikoff) Hermosa, SD, Keana Fox of Tempe, AZ, Jozy McDuffie Symonds (Clancey) of Mitchell, NE, Kaylee Fox of Hermantown, MN and great-granddaughter Wrenley Wayne Symonds of Mitchell, NE. Sisters Linda Wiles of Granite Bay, CA, Susan Conway Payne (Richard Jr.) of Livingston, MT, sister in-law Pamela Barnes Simenson (Mark) of Chinook, MT and numerous nieces and nephews. Sheen also had numerous friends he worked with at the railroad and great neighbors in Wyoming and Custer.

Sheen is preceded in death by both parents, half brothers Gene and Allen Morrison, half brother Will Conway, nephew Richard Payne III, his in-laws Donald Patrick and Rose Barnes.

The heartbreak that is being felt is unbelievable. Sheen’s life will be celebrated at a later date. Correspondence may be sent to the family at 24918 Four Wheel Drive, Custer, SD 57730.