Jay Edward Conklin, 68, of New Era, passed away Wednesday September 15, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born December 28, 1952, in Hart, the son of Herb and Ida Mae (McGahan) Conklin.

Jay spent his youth in and around the Walkerville/Bitely area and loved working on the farm. Jay was a proud 30 year member of the Operating Engineers locals 324 and 302; he traveled to Alaska and worked the pipeline. Jay learned a lot while working in Alaska from his two older brothers, also operators. Jay retired from Erickson Crane and Rigging in 2002.

Jay was very dedicated to his community, serving on the Walkerville School Board for 30 years, the Walkerville Village Council for 20 years, was a Walkerville volunteer firefighter, served on the Oceana County Road Commission for 6 years, and on the Crystal Valley Care Fund for 10 years; two as President. Jay and his wife, Carol (Kennedy) Conklin, owned and operated many businesses throughout the years, where Jay could indulge in his other passion, talking! Jay could, and would strike up a conversation with anyone. New friends were only a "hello" away. He loved his weekly card games with many friends, was an avid hunter, and loved foraging for morels each year. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with his wife and good friends, Chris and Larry LaBatt.

Jay was a great man with great ideas. He had a twinkle in his eye that some would call mischievous! He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and will be missed wholeheartedly; not just by his family, but his community as well.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 South 176 ^th Avenue, Walkerville, MI 49459. The family will receive friends Saturday, from 1:00 PM until time of services at the church.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com