Conklin, Charles Reeves

Ypsilanti, MI

Age 91, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024 in Superior Township, MI. He was born August 24, 1932 in Harrisville, MI, the son of Austin and Sylvia (Miller) Conklin. He married Louise Wilcox in 1955 and they recently celebrated 69 years of marriage.

Charles retired from Ford Motor Company in December 1988 after a successful 20+ year career with the company. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and tinkering in his garage. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and taking his children camping when they were younger.

Charles was a member of the Ypsilanti Optimist Club, volunteered as a player agent for Ypsilanti Little League baseball and was a faithful blood donor. Charles was a parishioner of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Ypsilanti and a former attendee of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ypsilanti, where he was very active. He served in the Navy as a photographer on the USS Mindoro during the Korean War.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife Louise Conklin, children Michael (Michelle) Conklin, Sharon (Marty) Thompson, Barry Conklin and Suzy Conklin; grandchildren Monica Conklin, Megan Conklin, Marisa Conklin, Kathryn Thompson, Benjamin (Magda Duck) Thompson, Briana (Marcus) Washington, Cody Conklin, Alex Linke, Elizabeth Linke and Melissa (Rb) Murray; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Austin and Sylvia Conklin; brother Ken Conklin and sister Margaret Ockstadt.

A memorial service will be held 2:30 pm Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church (201 N. River Street, Ypsilanti). Military Honors will start the service. Visitation will begin at 1 pm.