THOMAS R. CONKLIN, SR., PORT JERVIS, NEW YORK

Thomas R. Conklin, Sr., age 81, of Port Jervis, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis.He was born on March 12, 1928 at Cuddebackville, NY, the son of the late Roy and Ada Rose Conklin.Tom was a retired Supervisor and Firefighter at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, NJ. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, proudly serving our country during World War II. He is a member of the Marsch-Kellogg American Legion Post #139, Milford, PA and an Honorary Life Member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Lakewood Elks Lodge #1432, B.P.O.E., Lakewood, NJ.Tom was married to the late Donna Orchid Conklin and the late Ann Ryker Conklin. He married Beth E. Dirk Conklin, who survives at home. He is also survived by his son, Thomas R. Conklin, Jr. and his wife, Carrie of Lafayette, GA; his daughter, Cathy Conklin of Jackson, NJ; his stepdaughter, Laura Conklin and her husband, Bill of Lake Wallenpaupack, PA; his stepsons, Michael Gumble of Bushkill, PA and Robert Gumble and his wife, Diana of Dingmans, PA; two sisters, Vivian Shaffer-Reeves of Port Jervis and Irma Pagano and her husband, Bill of Port Jervis; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Charles Meli of Montague, NJ and Glenn Dirk of Tafton, PA. He was predeceased by his sister, Jeanette Meloi.Friends may call Wednesday, May 27, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Patt Kauffman officiating. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY.Memorial donations may be made to the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645, PO Box W, Port Jervis, NY 12771.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; 845-856-3312. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com.