Francis D. Conklin, Sr., 78, of Castanea, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Promedica, Jersey Shore surrounded by his family.
Born March 11, 1944 in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Gershon and Catherine Mihalik Conklin.
On June 29, 1991 at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Lock Haven, Francis married Karen Madara, who survives.
Francis graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1963. Shortly after served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer until his Honorable Discharge in 1966. He then attended the Advanced Trade School of Chicago, graduating in 1971 with a degree in refrigeration and air conditioning. Next he studied Plumbing and Heating at Williamsport Area Community College, graduating in 1974. Francis worked at Piper Aircraft before finishing his career as a construction worker.
Francis was Catholic by faith.
He was a lifetime member of Castanea Fire Hall as well as member of the Sons of Italy. In addition he was a lifetime member of Beech Creek American Legion and Lock Haven 40/8.
Francis was an exceptional gardener and loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Most of all, he adored his family, especially his granddaughters.
In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by his children: Francis D. (Karen Lehman) Conklin, Jr. of Pleasant Gap, Mary (Steve) Hackenberg of Trenton, South Carolina and Nicole Conklin of Coatesville; his step-children: Kevin (Carla) Moore of Houston, Texas, Kimberly (Chip) Austin of Stafford, Virgina and Kristin (Richard) Branham of Elgin, South Carolina; his granddaughters, Eirian and Kylie; his brother, Marshall Conklin; and his sister, Peggy Cingle.
In addition to his parents, Francis was preceded in death by his son, Mark Allen Conklin, who passed in 2014 and his siblings: Gershon Conklin, Jr., JoAnne Wilson, Robert Conklin, Thomas Conklin and William Conklin
A graveside service will be held at Rest Haven Memorial Park on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 11 A.M. with Pastor Rick Conklin officiating, followed by Military Honors conducted by the Jersey Shore Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, c/o Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
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Francis Conklin, 78. Our beloved [relatives] passed away on April 7, 2022. Memorial donations may be made in Francis's name to [memorial_contributions].
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