John Conkel 1868-1944

CONKEL

Posted By: Dixie Laire, IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 9/6/2014 at 00:08:50

JOHN CONKEL DIES AT RED OAK HOME
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Prominent Resident of County and Former Sheriff for Eight Years
Dies Friday Morning, July 7.
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FUNERAL HELD SUNDAY
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The death of John Conkel, 76, occurred at his home in Red Oak Friday, July 7, at 4 a. m., following an illness of several months before and since his return from California, a few weeks ago, his death being directly due to heart failure.    

Funeral services were held Sunday at 3 p.m. from the Boileau & Thomas garden chapel, with Rev. Chas. A. Speagh of the Presbyterian Church officiating. Ritualistic services were given by the Essex Masonic lodge. Pallbearers were Harry Mayhew, Clarence Turner, Lester Orsborn, Sherman Rea, Walter Johnson, C. A. Miner, P. W. Richards and Dick Weidman. Music was by Mrs. Orrin Carmichael, soloist, with Mrs. Ray Cozad, accompanist. In charge of the flowers were Mrs. Frank Kelley, Mrs. Howard Kelley and Mrs. Fred Halvin. Burial was in Evergreen cemetery.

John Conkel was born at Adamsburg, Pa., April 19, 1868. At the age of three years he was left an orphan and four years later he came to Imogene, Ia., to make his home with an aunt, Mrs. Israel Buzzard. There he grew to manhood and on March 23, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Faust at Shenandoah, Ia. About two years after their marriage they moved to a farm near Coburg, where they resided until 1916 when they moved to Red Oak where he built a fine home at 301 Valley-st., and where they resided at the time of his death.

Always a staunch Democrat, John Conkel was elected sheriff of Montgomery county in November, 1932, and served four terms in that office, leaving a splendid record as a public servant and as an officer, and winning much popularity and public acclaim by his impartial and intelligent conduct of the affairs of the office. He was one of the few members of that political party ever to gain recognition in Montgomery County. He was also a member of the Methodist church of Red Oak with a record of faithful service. He belonged to the Masonic lodge.

Besides Mrs. Conkel he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Harley Wade, of Red Oak; one son, Clyde Conkel of Coburg; four grandchildren and one great-grandson, also one sister, Mrs. John Meyers, of Jeanette, Pa.

THE SUN, Red Oak, Iowa, Thursday, 13 Jul 1944.