Ray M. Conklin

Ray M. Conklin, better known as “Rock” or “Bates,” 72, of West Decatur, died Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, Sate College.

Ray was born on September 21, 1946, in West Decatur, a son of the late Clarence “Brownie” and Alta (English) Conklin.

Ray was a 1964 graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School. He served with the US Army.

He had been employed with Charles Navasky & Co. and the former Rushton Mine.

He was married on August 28, 1971, in Philipsburg, to the former Barbara E. Harris, who survives at home.

Ray is also survived by three sons: Kevin R. Conklin and his companion, Trisha Martin, of West Decatur, Stephen M. Conklin and his wife, Crystal, of West Decatur and Scott E. Conklin and his wife, April, of (Coal Run) RD Osceola Mills; two daughters, Krista M. Conklin, of Philipsburg and Kimberly A. Lumadue and her husband, Ryan, of West Decatur; seven grandchildren: Taylor Caslow, Scott Conklin, Kevin Conklin, Vanessa Conklin, Kyleigh Kennedy, Gunar Martin and Zaylee Conklin; three brothers: Donald “Duck” W. Conklin and his wife, Nancy, of Osceola Mills, Roy M. Conklin and his wife, Catherine, of West Decatur and Clarence “Boots” Conklin and his wife, Gloria “Joyce,” of West Decatur; and numerous other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Nancy Conklin; and a sister, Betty Weidow.

Ray enjoyed making trips to casinos, lawn work, NASCAR, playing corn hole with his family, listening to the “oldies” and Mike Harvey on the radio and he was an avid fan of Pittsburgh sports teams. He touched the lives of everybody who met him, and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He had a heart of gold.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 1 pm at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, with Pastor James Walk, officiating.

Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home.

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday, from 10 am until the time of the service.

Interment will be in Reidy Cemetery, Wallaceton.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, C/O Barbara Conklin, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, Pa 16866.