Larry was born in Chillicothe, OH on May 10, 1939. He is survived by his spouse, Bernadine Gay Conkle. Larry and Bernadine met as childhood sweethearts in Ohio and have been together for the past 67 years. Larry is survived by his daughters, Lisa Beth and her husband Paul O’Brien, Cynthia Jean and her husband Kenneth Vantiger and his son, Michael Eugene Conkle and his wife Niki Conkle. Larry is survived by 10 grandchildren: Jennifer and her husband Travis Harvey, Michael Ryan McGrath, Kelley and her husband Xavier Carrillo , Kaycee and her husband Karr Valluvan, Christine Grier, Taylor Vantiger and his wife Kathrine, April and her husband Christopher Bernard, Ashley Vantiger, Hannah and her husband Hunter Sharp; Hunter Conkle and his wife Janie. Larry is survived by 19 great children: Emalee McGrath, John, Sally, Luke, and Matthew Harvey; Ace and Troy Carrillo, Anika and Jay Valluvan; Kali, Haley, and Brayden Grier; Brett, Emmett, and Benny Vantiger; Olivia Bernard; Emma Kate, Ellis, and Sawyer Sharp. Larry is also survived by their loving dog, a Maltese Poodle named Duncan.
Larry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Larry graduated from the Air Force Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. Colonel Conkle was an Air Force veteran with over 41 years of service. Larry enlisted in the Navy in 1954. He later transferred his service to the Air Force in 1955. Larry retired in 1995 after going through the enlisted ranks and rising to a Master Sergeant in 17 years. Larry was nominated to become an officer and completed Officer Training School, 23 years later, after 2 careers, he rose through the ranks again to be a full Colonel. Larry had assignments to Lockborne AFB, OH; Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal; Mountain Home AFB, ID; McGuire AFB, NJ; Keesler AFB, MS; Travis AFB, CA; Offutt AFB, NE; Lowry AFB, CO; KI Sawyer AFB, MI; Barksdale AFB, LA; remote air station on the Aleutian Islands, AK; Norton AFB, CA; Wurtsmith AFB, MI; Maxwell AFB, AL; US Strategic Forces Command , Offutt AFB, NE; and Whiteman AFB, MO. Larry retired as the Logistics Group Commander at Whiteman AFB, MO where he was responsible for the multi-billion dollar B-2 stealth bomber and low observable stealth maintenance. Larry was a favored Colonel in Air Combat Command. The 4-star commander, General Fogleman honored Larry’s 41 years of service by personally presiding and conducting his military retirement ceremony. Larry is a decorated veteran with multiple awards and medals to include the Air Force Legion of Merit.
After 41 years of military service, Larry became the Director of Public Works in Ruston, LA in 1996. He also was a manager for a lumber yard as well as a Do It Yourself hardware store. Larry was also a Sheriff for SCOP (Senior Citizens On Patrol), augmenting the Ruston Police Department. He was a true Christian and volunteer at his church. He taught Sunday school, and Seminary. He was always helpful to friends, family, and neighbors.
Larry was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed football and was devoted to Ohio State, LSU, and Texas A&M. He loved to golf and continuously worked on his golf swing for over 50 years, never quite perfecting the swing, but not for lack of trying. Larry loved Christmas decorations; Branson, MO; Conkle’s Hollow, OH; arts and crafts, automobiles, do-it-yourself projects; spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great children.
Lastly and most of all, Larry loved his wife and childhood sweetheart, Bernadine. There isn’t anything he would not do for her. He showered her with love, affection, compliments, gifts, jewelry, more love and lots of attention. He always showed her love and patience, encouragement and total devotion. His kindness, generosity, and wisdom will be sorely missed. One’s life was blessed to have known him. The legacy of this man will go on forever in the hearts of his family and those who knew him.
God’s speed Colonel Conkle. May God bless him and his family. Amen.
