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Morris Conklin, 93, of Afton, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at his home in Afton. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18 at Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Rev. Jim Morris will officiate. Flag presentation will be done by Theodore J. Martens VFW Post #1797. Open visitation with family receiving friends will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Powers Funeral Home in Afton.
Memorials may be given to the Afton Fire Department. Online condolences may be given at the tribute wall at www.powersfh.com
Morris Franklin Conklin, son of Harry Claude Conklin and Hazel Viola (Franklin) Conklin, was born on May 15, 1929, in Union County. Morris attended Afton schools, graduating with the class of 1947. Morris proudly served his country during the Korean War while serving in the Army. He received a purple heart in 1951 for being shot at Heartbreak Ridge On May 27, 1955,
Morris was united in marriage to Irene Stephens in Afton. Morris was a lifetime resident of Afton. He managed the Afton Creamery for 13 years before working for Smith Concrete for 28 years where he drove truck until his retirement in 1993, although he retired every year for many years after that, once his garden was planted.
Morris loved all aspects of nature including gardening and fishing. He always put his family first and never missed any of the kid’s events. Morris served as mayor of Afton in the late 70s and early 80s, following serving as a city council member. He held many positions within the Afton Fire Department including chief and assistant chief, as well as being an honorary member of the Afton Volunteer Fire Department.
In 1972 he was awarded the Afton Community Club Award and in 1991, he was awarded the Afton Star Man of the Year award. For 24 years Morris ran the time clock for East Union basketball games and the chain gang for 25 for East Union football. During this time, Morris was awarded the Friends of Education award in 1982, the East Union Eagle Pride Booster Club Appreciation Award in 1991 and became an honorary basketball member in 1992. Morris also received the Governor’s Leadership Award in 1982.
Surviving Morris is his wife of 67 years, Irene Conklin of Afton; his children, Debra (Steve) Ruby of Afton, Barbara Moore of Afton and Larry (Brenda) Conklin of West Des Moines; 10 grandchildren: Mike (Tia) Sullivan of Waukee, Dan (Melissa) Cormeny of St. Petersburg, Florida, Becky Cormeny (Travis Hartman) of Beaconsfield, Sheri (Eddie) Tomas of Afton, Dana (Kyle) Sand of Creston, Kylie (Dave) Russell of Des Moines, Chris (Alyssa) Moore of Las Vegas, Nevada, Bailey Conklin of Bellevue, Washington, Alex Conklin (Sophia Brez) of Mission, Kansas and Gabe Conklin of West Des Moines; nine great-grandchildren: Hannah, Billie, Tommy, Quynn, Nick, Layne, Kolter, Kannon and Remmy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin Conklin and Harold Conklin and a sister, Ivo Conklin.