Clarence Robert Conkle

Clarence Robert Conkle, Age 92 went to be with the Lord on 9-1-25. Clarence was born in West Sayville, Long Island, New York to James and Adrianna Conkle.

Clarence was the third of 5 brothers and 1 sister. Clarence attended school in Sayville, Long Island, New York.

Clarence wrote letters to Doris while he was in the Navy during the Korean War. After a year of writing, Clarence went home on leave and met Doris for the first time. In 1952 Clarence asked Doris to be his wife. In 1953 the war was declared to be over and he returned stateside. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and they were married on November 24th, 1955.

Clarence didn’t want to be away from his family because in August of 1956 they had their first baby, a little girl they named Joy Ann. Clarence wanted to serve in the military and he joined the United States Air Force, thinking he would be home more. In 1960 they were stationed in Tampa, Florida where they became the happy parents of their son Kenneth Lee. They were later stationed in Mildenhall, England and again welcomed their last child on November 17th, 1963, a little girl, Karen Denise. They worked together as a team during the 30 years of service life. When Clarence was gone, Doris made sure everything at home was taken care of.

When Clarence retired from the service they moved to Burns Flat, Oklahoma to be closer to their children and grandchildren, Randy and Joy Eckley and Benjamin, Matthew, and Patricia. Ken then blessed them with a granddaughter Jessica, and later two sons Christopher and Cameron. Karen married Randy Greer and blessed them with two granddaughters, Brandy and Kristi. Clarence is proud of his seven great-grandchildren.

Throughout their life they always put God first in their home and many times discussed going on the mission field. In 1997 Clarence felt God’s calling and he went on a 3-week mission trip to Argentina. In 1998 they both were called by God and in 1999 left the United States for the Netherlands where they worked in many refugee camps. They were gone for 3 years. After returning to the States, they realized God still needed them there and they brought their children together and told them God needed them to go back. After spending time seeing everyone for 4 months, Clarence and Doris returned again to the Netherlands. They served another 4 years. After Clarence was arrested for telling others about Jesus and only having 48 hours to leave the country, they returned to Oklahoma where Clarence was called to preach at Fairview Baptist Church in Elk City, Oklahoma. He served the next 10 years as pastor. Upon retirement they moved to Olathe, KS.

Clarence and Doris are once again together with their Lord and Savior. His positive attitude, his willingness to always tell others about God, this was his joy as he worked for His Lord.

Clarence was survived by his children Randy and Joy Eckley, Ken Conkle, Randy and Karen Greer. Grandchildren, Benjamin, Matthew, Theresa Eckley, Brandy Norris, Jessica and Kyle Simpson, Patricia and David Rich, Kristi and Jevyn Janeway, Christopher and Cameron Conkle. Their great-grandchildren Taylor, Jaylinn, Kane, Brayden, Jayten, Stephanie, and Hayden.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and his love, his wife Doris.

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