HERKIMER-William Conkling age 75 of West Lake Street passed away quietly on Sunday January 6, 2013 in Faxton-Saint Lukes Medical Center, New Hartford. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on April 2, 1937 in the town of Russia, son of the late Gordon A. and Mary Bruno Conkling. Bill was raised and educated in Dolgeville. On May 20, 1954 he entered the US Marine Corps where he proudly served until May 17, 1957 when he was honorably discharged attaining the rank of Corporal. On June 25, 1955 he was united in marriage with the former Nancy Clements in Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. For thirty years Mr. Conkling was employed as a heat treater at the Remington Arms Company in Ilion. He retired in 1995. Bill had a strong faith in God and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer where he served as a Vestry Person and Warden. He was a member of the Tony R. George Post Herkimer where he was a past Commander. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing and cheering for his favorite NFL team the Buffalo Bills. To all who knew him, Bill will be remembered as a loving, hardworking, Christian man who always put his family first. He was a friend to all who came in contact with and will be truly missed. Surviving him are his devoted wife of fifty-seven years Nancy, one son Gordon E. Conkling and his wife Kay of Erie, PA, a daughter-in-law, Ruth Madison of Herkimer, two granddaughters, Nancy Jones and her husband Kurt of Ilion, Shelby Conkling of Erie, PA, two grandsons, Eric Madison of Herkimer, Adam Conkling and his wife Chikae of Utica, five great grandchildren, William and Madison Jones, Collin Madison, Benny and Matthew Conkling. Bill was looking forward to another great granddaughter in May. He is also survived by one sister, Mary MacDonald of GA, a sister-in-law, Louise Ainsworth of Herkimer and many special nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sons, William Scott Conkling and Alvin Lewis Madison, two brothers, Gordon and Fred Conkling, one sister, Sylvia Sweeney. Calling hours for Mr. Conkling will be in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Funeral service with Holy Eucharist will take place on Friday at 11:00 am in Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. The Very Reverend Paul Bailey will officiate. Interment with military honors accorded by the United States Marine Corps will be later this spring in Mohawk Cemetery at a time to be announced. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.