James Lindley Conkling

James Lindley Conkling, 85, of Norman, passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. James was born Nov. 3, 1929, in Norman, to Charles Walter and Ola Lodoski (Dean) Conkling. He began serving his country when he entered the U.S. Army in 1948. He completed 40 years of dedicated and loyal service to the state and the nation. He served with the 45th Infantry Division in Japan and Korea and later returned to Oklahoma where he was discharged. Because of his dedication and love for his country, he returned to service through the Oklahoma National Guard, while continuing his civilian occupation. During his military service, Sgt. 1st Class Conkling was awarded numerous commendations and special recognitions for his outstanding performance and received many awards, citations and countless medals of achievement. For the next 13 years following his retirement, James did maintenance work for Alameda Church of Christ and several years at the University of Oklahoma with the physical plant. For the next 13 years following his retirement, James did maintenance work for Alameda Church of Christ and several years at the University of Oklahoma with the physical plant. He was an avid OU football fan and never missed a game as long as he was able to attend. He married the love of his life, Judy (Harmon) Conkling on Aug. 6, 1959, and together they enjoyed 55 wonderful years filled with special memories that Judy, their children and grandchildren will forever cherish. James and Judy loved helping others and were blessed to have spent three years as campground employees in several different states. James was preceded in death by his parents and his son, James Allen Conkling. He is survived by his wife, Judy Conkling; son, James Bryan Conkling and wife LaDonna; daughters, Cheryl Sosa and fiancee James Lell and Cindy Ceballos and husband Cutberto; brothers Fred Conkling and wife Sandy, Ken Conkling and wife Linda and Bill Conkling and wife Sue; sisters Margaret Kear and Betty Parks and husband Don; as well as seven grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Monday at Havenbrook Funeral Home. Services to celebrate his life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Havenbrook Funeral Home chapel with interment to follow at IOOF Cemetery in Norman. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman.

• Residence: 1940 - Norman Twp, Cleveland, Oklahoma, USA
• Race: White
  • Reference: 1940 United States Federal Census - SmartCopy: Jul 9 2019, 18:20:57 UTC
• Reference: Ancestry Genealogy - SmartCopy: Jul 10 2019, 20:48:26 UTC