The Harold Democrat
May 14, 2010
Lt. Col. Lawrence W. Conklin
(1926-2010)
"Say not in grief he is no more, but
live in thankfulness that he was."
The family and friends of Lt. Colonel, Retired, Lawrence W. Conklin are truly thankful that Larry shared his life with them for over 84 years.
Larry was born to Margaret and Lawrence E. Conklin on March 6, 1926 in Sparkill, N.Y. He peaceably passed from this world on May 9, 2010 surrounded by his loving and devoted family.
A unique and special individual, Larry proudly served his country in three wars in the U.S. Air Force. He flew prop aircraft and jets during his career. He flew as a forward air controller during the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War. His love of flying was the foundation of his military career.
Larry retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1970. In 1972 he became an independent trucker, retiring in 1983. During the next five years he personally built the family home.
During the years, Larry and his wife, Sue, adopted and raised burros, mustangs and llamas. Larry loved animals and they loved him.
There was nothing that Larry would not try. From becoming a pilot to building a home, Larry was fearless. He had a quick wit and ready smile. He is leaving a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved, cherished, and respected him.
Larry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sue L. Conklin; daughter Becky Conklin-Haug and husband Hal of Prosper; son Wes Conklin and wife Diana of San Antonio; daughter Gail Conklin-Lawrence and husband Steve of Sherman; and daughter Lisa Windahl and husband Kirk of Rowlett. Larry has seven grandchildren, Karen Rockoff, Sarah Conklin, Lori Conklin, Samantha Lawrence, Kelly Lawrence, Michaela Windahl and Cooper Windahl. He has two great-grandchildren, Garrett Rockoff and Zachary Rockoff.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence E. Conklin and Margaret Boss Conklin of Sparkill, N.Y., sister Margie Sage of Sparkill, N.Y., and grandson Wesley Conklin Lawrence of Sherman.
A full military honors service will be officiated by David Taylor, chaplain of Wilson N. Jones Hospital at the gravesite. Service and burial will take place at 11 a.m. on May 15, 2010 in the Conklin Family Cemetery, located at the Conklin's family ranch at 3736 Gage Road in Sherman. Friends are welcome to join the family in this remembrance service.
Memorials in memory of Larry can be made to individual charity of choice. Funeral arrangements by Rest Haven Funeral Home of Rockwall.
Larry always said, "My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am."
[The Funeral Home obituary is more personal and I have copied those paragraphs below. GCW)
A unique and special individual, Larry proudly served his country in three wars. His love of flying was reflected throughout his military career. During World War II he served in the Army Air Corps. Later he was a member of the Air Force Reserve. Larry returned to active duty for the U.S. Air Force in 1949 at which time he flew as a Forward Air Control Officer during the Korean War. Twenty years later he also served in the Vietnam War as a Forward Air Control Squadron Leader. During his military service, Larry flew numerous Air Force planes such as the T-6 Texan, T-34, T-33, F-86, F-89, F-102, and OV-10.
Upon retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1970, Larry worked as an air traffic controller at Houston Intercontinental Airport. In 1972 he became an independent trucker for Mayflower and later United Van Lines.
In 1980, Larry retired from his life on the road to one of ranching. Though not a builder, Larry undertook the task of building the family gambrel roof two-story home by reading books and researching building techniques. During the years, Larry and his wife Sue, adopted and raised burros, mustangs, and llamas. Larry’s love of animals was reflected in the following quote- “My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.”
There was nothing that Larry would not try. From becoming a pilot to building a home, Larry was fearless. He had a quick wit and ready smile. He is leaving a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved, cherished, and respected him.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence E. Conklin and Margaret Boss Conklin of Sparkill, New York, sister Margie Sage of Sparkill, New York and grandson Wesley Conklin Lawrence of Sherman, Texas. The family believes that his grandson is now teaching Larry a new way to fly in Heaven.
"There is a link death cannot sever
Love and Remembrance last forever."
MILITARY MARKER:
CONKLIN, Lawrence Weldon; Mar 6, 1926 - May 9, 2010; Lt Col, US Air Force
Interred: Rest Haven Memorial Park, 2500 State Hwy 66, Rockwall, TX 75087
