Obituary of James Eldon Conkel

Surrounded by his wife and family, James "Eldon" Conkel of Buford, Georgia, went to be with his heavenly father June 12, 2017. He was 83 years old. Eldon was preceded in death by parents Harrison and Bessie Conkel; daughter, Candy; brothers Curt Conkel, Everett Bennett, Everett Conkel, and Virgil Conkel; sisters Audrey Givens, Velma Fulk , and Dorothy King; and nephews Jared Dever and Robert Givens. Eldon loved his family and was married to Carol Shumway, his loving and devoted wife for 58 years. They had 6 children: LuAnn, (Stephen), Oliver of Upper Arlington, Ohio; Jim, (Tammy), Conkel of Buford, GA; Elaine, (Jim), Jividen of Flowery Branch, GA; Candy Conkel, (deceased); Randal, (Keri), Conkel of Jefferson, GA; and Cassie, (Ben), Neubauer of Lawrenceville, GA. Eldon had 10 grandchildren: Sean Oliver of Columbus, Ohio; Hannah Oliver, (Ryan Bleam), of Phoenix, Arizona; Tori, (Calebb), Proehl of Mount Vernon, Ohio; Grant Oliver of Denver, Colorado; Madison and Conner Conkel of Buford, Georgia; Bryce and Jacob Conkel of Jefferson, Georgia; and Claire and Henry Neubauer of Lawrenceville, GA. Eldon had 1 great-grandchild, Lucy Proehl, of Mount Vernon, Ohio. Other survivors include brothers-in-law Ken, (Jean), Shumway; Ben, (Rita), Shumway; sister-in-law Betty Conkel, and many nieces and nephews. Eldon had a fun-loving and gentle spirit and was a wonderful husband, father and papaw. Born August 18, 1934, Eldon was the youngest son of Harrison and Bessie Conkel. Even though he was raised in Stockdale and graduated from Stockdale High School in the class of 1952, Eldon lived most of his life in Minford, Ohio. As a meat cutter, Eldon was employed at Pfleger's General Store, Schoonover's Market and Kroger's. Eldon was a Christian man and an active member at Hamilton Mill Christian Church. He enjoyed spending time with church friends and participating in outings with The PT Cruiser's group. For many years, Eldon held several church leadership positions, including elder, treasurer and teacher. Also, he served as a board member for Howell's Mills Christian Assembly Youth Camp. Eldon was an active community member. He served as Harrison Township Trustee, coached Minford Little League baseball, and volunteered for the Multiple Sclerosis Society support group. Eldon loved The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds and Southern Gospel music. A celebration of Eldon's life will be held at Hamilton Mill Christian Church, Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 3:00 pm with Minister Bob Mahan officiating. The family will receive friends and family at 2:00 pm. Eldon will be laid to rest beside his daughter, Candy, at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel and Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to one of the following: American Cancer Society, Hamilton Mill Christian Church, (3809 Sardis Church Rd, Buford, GA 30519), or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of Eldon at hamiltonmillchapel.com