Lloyd Everett Conklin, 76, of Orrick, Mo., passed away on October 27, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. He was the widower of Clara Jo Conklin whom he shared 36 years of marriage with.

Lloyd was raised in Ava, Mo. He was the son of Edward and Violet Conklin. After graduating from Ava, Lloyd went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. After serving his country Lloyd became a carpenter and got married to Clara on November 20,1972 in Miami, Okla. In 2005 he retired from JE Dunn and the Carpenters Local 61 to care for his wife.

Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; two sisters; his wife, Clara; one son, Robert Conklin; and one daughter, Linda Conklin; and two grandchildren.

He is survived by two brothers; three sisters; children, Lorene and Timothy Harralson, Liana and Larry Trout, Clara Katzenmaier, David Conklin I; 31 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Lloyd was a devoted member of the Orrick Christian Church. He enjoyed learning and sharing the word of God. He always wanted to make sure his family was protected in every way. Most importantly, he wanted to make sure his family knew the word of Jesus Christ and that they were ready for what the world would throw at them. Lloyd was an excellent leader in life for his family. He would do his best to help those around him, he sacrificed so much for the people he loved, as well as donating what he could to the Wounded Warriors Program of America. Lloyd loved spending time with his family, he enjoyed making everyone laugh with his quick one liners, as well as his goofy faces and grins. He found happiness by bringing his family along on adventures that tended to lead to fishing and sharing life lessons as well as reminiscing. Lloyd spent his time working on random and wacky jobs around the house as well as working on his and other’s vehicles, his tractors, and growing his garden. Lloyd had the biggest heart, he accepted everyone the way they came and was quickly called dad or grandpa after meeting.

Lloyd Conklin was a family man, a man that knew it all and was the perfect Supervisor. He was a hero, not only for being Vietnam veteran, but for always making sure his family all went to church. He walked the road to God holding hands with his family members with the brightest smile on his face. He would make everyone laugh with his personality, making people smile with his grin. He was surrounded by the people he loved including his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many of his siblings. He loved his family with all his heart, wanting them all to know God. Lloyd went to join the Lord and Savior knowing that all of us would be ok. He knew he was ok leaving, that we would all understand and would hold each other close as we get through this time. He may have been a carpenter, but he would help with all projects in his spare time with his loved ones, teaching them all lessons as he worked. He taught them the good and the bad that come with life and even how to fix a tire so that they could do it on their own. Lloyd’s lessons will continue forward with his love, for it’s not goodbye but see you later.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2023 at The Orrick Christian Church, with Pastor Art Endsley officiating. Burial will follow in Southpoint Cemetery near Orrick. Military Honors will be provided by the Ray County Veterans and the U.S. Army.