Donald V. Conklin

Donald V. "Don" Conklin Allegan Donald V. "Don" Conklin, 84, of Allegan, and formerly of Battle Creek, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan. He was born in Assyria Township on May 4, 1924, the son of David V. and Gladys L. (Jones) Conklin. Don served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army Air Force and the Air Force Reserves from 1943 1952. He retired from Battle Creek Public Schools in 1986 after 30 years of faithful service. Don married Allene F. Fairchild in Battle Creek on October 9, 1949; she survives. He is also survived by his son, Dr. Frank (Sue) Conklin of Berrien Springs; his daughter, Sharon (Ken) Whitcomb of Allegan; 9 grandchildren, Bryan Conklin, Aaron Conklin, Dr. Heather Figueroa, Kristyn Gregor, Emily Whitcomb, Angela Roosenberg, Amber Fitzwater, Dustin Hill and Drew Hill; 2 great-grandchildren, Michael and Nicholas Conklin; a brother, Ronald (Louise) Conklin; a sister, Kathryn Shire; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents. Don was a member of the Gobles-Pinedale Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gobles and the American Legion. A true handy man who liked to work with his hands, he was known to be able to fix anything. Don enjoyed gardening, wood working, camping, traveling to all 50 states and spending time with his family. At the request of the family, they will receive friends 4:00 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Ave., Richland. Funeral services to celebrate Don's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the funeral home with Elder Don Williams, Pastor of the Gobles-Pinedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, Battle Creek. Memorials made to the Battle Creek Academy, 480 Parkway Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the Gobles-Pinedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 32146 6th Ave., Gobles, MI 49055, would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com