Jeffery Lynn Conklin, 71 passed away on Thursday March 27, 2020.

Jeff was the only son of the late Jack and June (Tidey) Conklin of Plainwell Michigan.  He was born on April 30th 1948 at Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo Michigan.

After graduating from High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jeff earned his Certificate of Apprenticeship in Carpentry in 1969.  That same year he was drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam.  After serving his country, he returned home to New Orleans and then moved to Elkhart, Indiana where he began working for Wright Construction.  He would later retire from Bayer after working as a Millwright for many years.

In May of 1981, Jeff Married his Wife Lucinda (Taylor) Conklin who had two young children, Nicholas (Jennifer) Recchio and Angie (Cory) Recchio.  Jeff and Cindy enjoyed downhill snow skiing as a family and riding their Harley as a young couple.

Jeff was an avid collector of rifles and later Randall Knives, becoming somewhat of an expert on both.  He enjoyed going to Gun and Knife shows with friends, several of whom helped him continue this tradition even as his Multiple Sclerosis progressed making travel very challenging.  In his retirement, he could frequently be found visiting with friends at a local Car Repair Shop close to his home.  Jeff and his family lived on Grant Street in Elkhart for 33 years and valued the friendship of several longtime neighbors.

At Jeff's request there will be no Services. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart is in charge of arrangements. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County at 54687 County Road 19 Bristol, IN 46507.

Elkhart County Humane Society
54687 County Road 19, Bristol IN 46507
Tel: 1-574-848-4225
Web: http://www.info@elkharthumanesociety.org