Ronald V Conklin

Ronald V Conklin 89 of Hastings and formerly Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, January 5, 2014 with his beloved wife by his side. He was born in Assyria Township, Barry County, MI to David V and L Gladys (Jones) Conklin on May 4, 1924, one of fraternal twins.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, M Louise (Williams) Conklin, sons, William L (Jean) Conklin, St Joseph and David A (Shirley) Conklin, Melbourne, FL, a daughter, Cynthia D (John) Lebiecki, Kalamazoo, 4 grandchildren, Wade (Lori) and Andy (Amber) Conklin, Megan and Troy Lebiecki and 2 great granddaughters and a grandson on the way, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother, Donald V Conklin and wife Allene, sister, Kathryn M Salemka/Shire, brother in law Donald Salemka.

He attended 8 grades in Barry Co rural on-room school and graduated from Hastings High School in 1941. He served his country in the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946. He attended Michigan State College and subsequently graduated from Argubright Business College with an Associate degree in Business. In 1948 he went to work for the Kellogg Co in Battle Creek and retired in 1980 as assistant to the vice-president of administration. During his 32 years at the Kellogg Co he worked in accounting and traveled world wide to all of the Kellogg sites implementing and training others in a unified accounting and budget system. He was a member of the Kellogg 25 year Club and past President of the Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek until 1982 when he moved and transferred to Hastings First Presbyterian Church. He was a past Deacon, Elder, Trustee, church school superintendent, teacher, choir member and served and chaired many committees within the Church, one of which was to initiate and establish the Endowment Fund. He was an affiliate member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Melbourne, FL where he and his wife spent winters for the past 12 years. He was a witty, kind and caring, humble and loving man with a radiant smile.

He was past President of Washington School and W K Kellogg school P.T.A's. He was active for several years in Boy Scout Troop 57 as Committee Chairman, where his two sons became Eagle Scouts. He was past President of Cotillion Dance Club and Ringo Swingo Square Dance Club.

Ron was inspired to learn some house building skills from his father in law when we had our first home built. He continued that interest for many years and helped build several homes subsequently for family members, as well as planning, building and subcontracting for the home they would retire to in Hastings. It was here on 80 acres he enjoyed 24 years planting trees, mowing, trimming, gardening etc enjoying the beauty of God's country, until his health began to fail. In 2005 they moved to a condo in town. He continued to enjoy God's creation as he looked out upon a huge pond and an open area from his sun porch where he could observe waterfowl, animals, flowers and trees.

He enjoyed camping and traveling with his family throughout the U.S. and he and Louise enjoyed many travels in retirement to Europe, Australia, England, Spain and Greece and took several memorable cruises including one to Alaska. He lived life to the fullest and was blessed to have 33 good years of retirement.

He will be missed by all those who loved him dearly and cherish wonderful memories. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Hastings First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund or Barry County COA Day Care.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Hastings First Presbyterian Church, 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI, with full military honors. A visitation period will be held one hour prior to service time from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, also at the church. Interment will take place at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek, Michigan.