10/06/2018
Des Moines – Robert Joe Conklin, 86, died at VA Hospital in Des Moines on October 6, 2018, due to complications of diabetes. A Memorial Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 11 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel concluding with a 7 p.m. Masonic Service. Private urn entombment will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Bob was born in Indianola on June 27, 1932, to Joseph Clyde and Ardith Ann (Pope) Conklin. He attended Knoxville High School and Iowa Wesleyan College before being drafted to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War.
Bob was active in East Gate Masonic Lodge, Za Ga Zig Shrine, Ambassadors Club, and the Teamsters.
He coached and umpired for the Grandview Little League for 17 years. He was an avid sports lover, with NASCAR and the Iowa Hawkeyes leading the way. He also loved to drink beer with friends and acquaintances.
Bob lived his entire adult life on Des Moines’ Eastside. He is survived by his sons, Bobby (Gaila), Steve, and Donnie (Kathy); Shirley Conklin; grandchildren, Rob, Ryan (Ann), Susan, Amy (Matt), Amanda (Matt), Ashley, Taylor, and Daelen; great-grandchildren, Oliver, Eleanor, Maddy, Malory, Morgan, Conner, Alli and Brooke; and brother, Ted.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Crum; and granddaughter, Tori.