William Conklin

William Conklin, 90, long-time resident of Laramie, died May 9, 2016 at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne. Bill was born March 30, 1926, in Leadville, Colorado. He had a rich and full life. Bill served during World War II in the army and upon returning, went to school at CU on the G.I. Bill, earning a doctorate in education. He was a teacher, President of the Colorado School Board Association, and Superintendent of Schools in Montezuma County, Colorado, and most recently, in Albany County, Wyoming, for 25 years. He was named Wyoming Superintendent of the Year in 1990. In Laramie, Bill enjoyed his membership in the Rotary Club and attending the First United Methodist Church. He is survived by his children, William (Maria) Conklin, Jr. of Greeley, Colorado; Bruce (Pat) Conklin of Terre Haute, Indiana; Judy (Bill) Hess of Claremont, New Hampshire; Susan (Keith) Thompson of Greeley, Colorado; and Gretchen (Brent) Young of Cheyenne, Wyoming; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 stepsons and their children, along with many nieces and nephews and their children and two sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Conklin, and his second wife, Beth Wilkinson, and siblings George Conklin, August Conklin, Clara Smith and Richard Conklin. Bill loved his family and friends, published articles and books, was an adjunct instructor for CU and UW, enjoyed Native American culture and artifacts, UW football and basketball games, music, storytelling, travelling, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and his family mountain cabin. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, humor, and strong spirit. Friends may contribute to Alamo Park Forest Preservation c/o Gretchen Young, 2621 Summit Dr. Cheyenne, WY 82009 or Water for the Americas (to support Rotary water projects) c/o Keith Thompson, 1949 26th Avenue Ct., Greeley, CO 80634. Funeral Service will be Thursday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cheyenne. Private interment will be in Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie. Services are under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home.

Service

Thursday, May 12, 2016 10:00am

First United Methodist Church

108 East 18th Street

CHEYENNE, WY 82001