Arden F. Conklin; Retired Gas Plant Operator

Retired gas plant operator Arden F. Conklin of Lancaster, and formerly of Ventura, died Monday following a lengthy illness. He was 78.

He was born Oct. 23, 1919, in Minitare, Neb. In high school, Conklin received a scholarship to attend the University of Nebraska. But those plans were scuttled when Conklin, at the time a member of the Army National Guard, was called into active duty during World War II, said his son, Jack Conklin of Lancaster.

“Buzz” was discharged as a staff sergeant in Ventura County in 1945. Four years later he went to work for Getty Oil Co. in Ventura and worked there for 33 years, retiring as a gas plant operator in 1982.

Throughout the years, according to his son, Conklin remained a loyal Nebraska Cornhuskers fan.

“That was always one of his big pastimes,” Jack said.

In his off hours, Conklin enjoyed spending time outdoors.

“He was into hunting,” Jack said. “And he did a lot for Little League Baseball.”

Conklin was a life member of PTA, Veterans of Foreign War, and Elks and Moose lodges.

In addition to son Jack, Conklin is survived by sons Arden of Dayton, Ohio, and Fred of Oak View; a sister, Nadine Danielson of Gehring, Neb.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Secora “Nicky,” and a son, Leonard.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home, Ventura, with Msgr. Patrick O’Brien officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service.

Entombment will follow in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.