THE PLAINS- Jack D. Conkey of The Plains, passed away Monday morning, February17, 2025 at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, Athens. Born June 1, 1933 in New Marshfield, he was the son of the late Austin Conkey and Freda Thompson Conkey.
Jack is survived by two sons, Jack R. (Becky)Conkey of El Paso,, TX and Michael (Brenda) Conkey of Buchtel; a grandson, Eric (Caren) Conkey and great grandchildren Logan and Lyla of Pataskla; a granddaughter, Jennifer (Josh) Gelber of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughters, Nancy of El Paso, TX along with Alison and great grandson Jonathan of Reno, NV; also a very special and close friend, Carol Stevens of The Plains.
Carol and Jack spent a lot of time together with the goats and other critters they shared together. She has been an inspiration for him to continue living a long life after losing his wife Marilyn. Everlasting thanks to her, and her son Zach, for all they have done during the ups and downs of his illnesses. God Bless both of them.
Jack and wife Marilyn were high school sweethearts. Jack was drafted for the Korean War but shortly after basic training the treaty was signed and he continued to remain in the Army until he retired in 1973. He served in Iceland, Germany, Korea, Vietnam, among many other stateside assignments. While in Vietnam he received the Bronze Star with two oak clusters for bravery. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class.
After his retirement from the Army, he worked as a truck mechanic at Gibson Motor City and Kerr Distributing until he finally retired. He then became a goat rancher outside of New Marshfield along with his grandson Eric. Jack and Eric raised goats mostly as pets rather than as livestock.
Jack “Dad” was a very stern father that taught his children the values of patriotism, honesty, hardwork and personal responsibility. A lot of things that are left out in some parenting today. We thank him for these character traits that we sometimes learned in the “Hard Knocks “ school he taught.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Perry Conkey, who passed in 2005; and a sister Emma Sue.
Funeral service will be conducted Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Pastor Dave Shoemaker officiating. Burial will be in New Marshfield Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, Feb. 21st from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery by VFW Post 9893 and K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion Honor Guards. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
