HERKIMER – Charles M. Conklin, age 93, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday evening, January 16, 2021 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. Charlie was born on March 21, 1927 in Brooklyn, the son of the late John and Emma (Fish) Conklin. He was raised and educated on Long Island in various towns. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944, and served aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, CV16 during World War II; he also served aboard a small aircraft carrier and a cruiser. In 1948 he was discharged with the following ribbons and medals: the Asiatic Pacific Campaign with 5 stars, Philippine Liberation with 2 stars, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with 1 star, World War II Victory, China Service, Navy Occupation and Navy Good Conduct Medal. Charlie was recalled to active duty in 1950 during the Korean War, serving on the Island of Guam and on an attack transport; being discharged in 1952. Following his military service, Charlie returned to Long Island, working in several factories until starting his own home and office cleaning service, Ambassador Cleaning Service of Melville. In 1970 he went to work for the Melville Volunteer Fire Department as a Paid Dispatcher, where he was also a volunteer fireman for fifteen years. In 1981 he retired and relocated to Mohawk, NY, where he began working for the Nathan Galinsky Apartments in Herkimer in the Maintenance Department. At one time Charlie was married to the former Dorothy Wurm and had six children from that union: Donna DeLucia, who passed in 1987, Barbara Conklin of Mohawk, Susan and Steve Shoeny of California, Ellen and Paul DeLucia of Arizona, Roger Conklin of Delaware and John Conklin of Arizona. On July 12, 1985, Charlie was married to Mildred (Gillette) Mason and the two shared in a blessed and loving union of over twenty-one years until Mildred’s passing on December 23, 2006. In his later years, Charlie was a staple at Galinsky Apartments where he hosted bible study for almost fourteen years. He proudly came to the Lord after an automobile accident that he survived and was very passionate about his faith in Christ. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Little Falls. His community and his church were truly his second family. Charlie is survived by his six children; his four grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends, especially Paula Cooper who was a great helpmate to Charlie and also Valarie Enjem-Moore of Endless Summer Unisex Salon for the many years of fine haircuts and friendship…and also for arranging this funeral! Aside from his beloved Mildred, Charlie was predeceased by his brother, John Conklin in 1994 and his sister, Emma Conklin in 2004. Due to current health restrictions there will be no public calling hours at this time. A graveside service will take place at a date and time to be announced in the spring, where Charlie will be laid to rest in West Schuyler Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the United States Navy. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Little Falls First Baptist Church, 555 Albany Street, Little Falls, NY 13365. Charlie’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.