Robert W. Conklin, 82, of Philipsburg went to his Savior on Sept. 4, 2015 after a long and courageous battle.
Born Nov. 2, 1932 in Philipsburg, he was a son of the late Norman and Catherine (Smiley) Conklin.
Mr. Conklin was a member of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Philipsburg. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War.
He was an active participant in a variety of organizations, including the Moshannon Lodge No. 391, Free & Accepted Masons, Philipsburg; the Hemlock Rod & Gun Club; the Reliance Fire Co. of Philipsburg; and the United Commercial Travelers.
He was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 1173, Philipsburg, of which he served as exalted ruler and was a trustee.
Mr. Conklin was also a 1951 graduate of the Philipsburg High School.
In his career, Mr. Conklin held various sales and sales management roles with Penn Industrial, Capital Equipment Sales and Smeal Enterprises, all of Philipsburg.
His work success was related in large part to his work initiative and his ability to establish and maintain relationships.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Theodora J. “Teddy” Johnston, to whom he was married on Jan. 20, 1953 in Winchester, Va.
Mr. Conklin is also survived by two sons, N. David Conklin and his wife, Liz of Roaring Spring and Jeffrey J. Conklin and his wife, Betty L. of Montgomery, Texas, and a brother, Eugene Conklin of Philipsburg.
He is also survived by three grandchildren, Stephanie A. Beauvais and her husband, Jason of Houston, Texas, Joshua David Conklin and his wife, Rhonda of Curwensville and Sarah M. Bechtel and her husband, Jason of Curryville and seven great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Kaden and Lauren Beauvais of Houston, Texas, Haylee and Isaac Conklin of Curwensville and Norah and Jakob Bechtel of Curryville.
While his father died when he was young, Mr. Conklin took advantage of the opportunity he had with his sons that his father did not have with him. His love of his sons during their youth was always evident especially considering their distinct and varied interests.
Whether it was fishing, hunting, being a scoutmaster or a little league baseball coach, he was always there with his guidance and companionship. This love was a constant throughout his life with his wife, his sons and their families.
Another constant was his quick wit and ability to make people laugh even toward the end of his health battle.
Funeral services for Mr. Conklin will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, Philipsburg, with the Rev. William R. Walker officiating. Burial will be at the Philipsburg Cemetery.
Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 170, Philipsburg, PA 16866 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Family and friends may share memories and sign the guestbook at beezerheathfh.com.
