Steven J. "Tootie" Conklin

Steven J. Conklin, 64, of Coldwater, died Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Steven was born January 13, 1952 in Battle Creek to Richard and Marion (Philley) Conklin. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1970 and went on to attend Western University and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a mechanical engineering degree. He worked at General Motors first before taking a job at Ford Motor Company as an engineer and retired after many years of faithful service.

Steven married Loleth "Lola" J. on November 24, 2001. They met on one of his trips to the Philippines and fell in love while dancing to Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. Along with his wife, Loleth, Steven is survived by his son, Jay (Nicole) Conklin; three daughters, Christine (Danny) Archer, Katie Conklin and Kelsey Conklin; seven grandchildren, Zachary Archer, Patrick Archer, Hunter Conklin, Andrew Conklin, Holly Conklin, Matthew Conklin and Jacob Conklin; a brother, Jim Conklin and a sister, Lori Reeves.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents.

As a young man, Steven attained the rank of Arrow in the Boy Scouts. This helped him gain interest in many activities he would enjoy later in life such as carpentry, boating and camping. He loved to build and remodel homes, and as a younger man, he was a phenomenal roller skater. Steven cherished his dog, Ziggy, but most of all, Steven enjoyed being a family man. He loved and lived life to the fullest.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 26th, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A graveside service to celebrate Steven's life will be 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 27th at Memorial Park Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial donations are asked to consider the American Heart Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.