Richard J. Conklin

Richard J. Conklin
July 6, 1934 - August 4, 2024
Richard J. Conklin, age 90 of Paris, MI, passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 4, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 6, 1934 in Wayland, MI the son of Roy and Martha (Cerny) Conklin.
After graduating from Wayland High School, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dick married Ruth McHugh in 1959 in Greenville, MI.
Dick spent his working career as a welder on the pipeline. He worked for several different companies until joining Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. Dick and Ruth moved to Paris in 1966 where they made their home and raised their family.
Dick retired from MichCon after 30 years of employment, but his love for welding kept him busy throughout his retirement. He especially worked hard to help the working man, like farmers and loggers who needed his talent to make their living. In his spare time Dick liked playing cards and the game of Aggravation literally morning, noon, and night. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth Ann of Paris; four children, Kurt Conklin of Paris, MI; Karl (Kimberly) Conklin of LasVegas, NV; Karen (Donald) Roy of Grand Rapids, MI; Richard M. (Chang) Conklin of Killeen, Texas; four grandchildren, David (Cassie) Conklin of Granger, IL; Sarah Strong of Reed City, MI; Anna (Cleland Loszewski) Schneider of Waterford, MI; Ellen (Jared) Weppelman of Brooklyn, OH; four great-grandchildren, Kaden, Alexis, Makayla and Fiona; a brother, Ralph (Frances) Conklin of Clarksville, TN and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10th at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Phil Shangraw officiating. The family will greet friends at Saint Mary's on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Saturday. A 2:00 p.m. committal service, with military honors, will take place at Saint Anne's Cemetery in Paris following the luncheon.
Memorial contributions in Dick's name may be made to the Mecosta – Osceola Victims Services Unit.
Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
Share a memory or condolences with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com