Eugene Conklin

Eugene C. Conklin, Jr., age 84, died peacefully, August 16, 2014 after a long illness at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. Gene was born August 7, 1930 in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Eugene C. and Hattie (Millard) Conklin. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1948 to 1955 aboard the USS Toledo and USS Grainger. Gene married Harriet (Platt) on November 18, 1951 in Stockton, California. They moved back to the Battle Creek area after his honorable discharge from the Navy. Gene was a carpenter and worked for several companies in addition to building his first home and also built the home they have lived in for the past 30+ years near Bellevue. He had worked at Post Cereal and Cello Foil from 1955 to 1963, Kendall Industrial Supply from 1963 to 1980 and retired from Darrel Burke Construction in 1994. During his spare time he built toys for each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gene was a lifetime member of the Travel Trailer Club of the Midwest (TTCM) and was the driving force that created a campground near Bellevue. He was the first director and along with his wife they devoted over 30 years to the campground and over 50 years to the organization. Gene was a member of the American Legion Post 54, an avid Detroit Tigers and NASCAR fan, with Jeff Gordon being his favorite driver; he also enjoyed flying model airplanes. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Harriet Conklin. Additionally he is survived by his daughter, Sherry (Deral) Murrie, his son, Eugene (Cindy) Conklin III, and son-in-law, Mike Roberts. Gene also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. His daughter, Mary Roberts, greeted him as he departed this world. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m., Monday, August 25 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, August 24, from 2:00 to 5:00p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Lifespan Nursing. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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