Steven Charles Conklin

Steve Conklin, 68, of Hoyt, formerly of Topeka, was born August 15, 1952 and passed on October 28, 2020. He was one of five children born to Charles W. Conklin Jr. and Shirley J. Conklin (Hanes). His siblings, in birth order Janice Conklin, Anna Reece (Charlie), Peggy Smith, and Scott Conklin (Allison). He was preceded in death by his father and sister Peggy Smith.

He had two children he was very proud of, in birth order, Brett Conklin (Amber) and Kristen Conklin. He dearly loved his two grandchildren Holdyn Ryberg and Charlise Conklin.

The love of his life, his wife of more than 20 years, Danna Gibbs, was with him to the end.

Steve was a veteran of the Army. He was an Electrician employed at the Kansas Neurological Institute where he retired. During his career he worked at Washburn University, he was a certified Locksmith, and he was a Pyrotechnician setting up public fire works displays for the annual Go 4th event.

He was proud of his Cherokee heritage and hand-crafted many things such as beaded adornments, bows and arrows.

He enjoyed making people laugh. This was evident in how badly he wanted his radiation treatment to make him glow. He always wore his long hair in a braid that balanced out his long, glorious beard. He loved the outdoors and Pippa, the Jack Russell Terrier he carried everywhere. Everyone knew her as the little dog with the big bark. Some of his favorite things included Bradley’s Café Ozark sausages, the song Smuggler’s Blues by Glenn Frey, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, knives and Taekwondo.

Memorial Contributions can be made to KNI Benefit Fund. Checks can be sent to KNI, Business Office, Attn Nicole Merrow, 3107 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS66604.

His final words were to be kind to one another. He said, his stubbornness over the years did not get him anywhere faster in life so learn to have patience and be humble.