Ray "Whitey" Conkle

Ray "Whitey” Edgar Conkle, 89, Whitehall Ohio, passed away on November 2nd, 2024.

Ray, best known as Whitey, was born on September 7th, 1935 to Luther H. & Louella Conkle in Etna, Ohio. He graduated from Etna High School in 1953. In 1954, Whitey met the love of his life Charlotte “Char”, at the Fireman’s Jubilee in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. After graduating high school, Whitey enrolled in the US Army from 1955-1959 and served as a specialist fifth class of medical supply command. He worked as system analysts for IBM Computers with Nationwide Insurance for 38 years until retiring in 1991. Whitey and Char went on to marry in December of 1957 & had three children (Douglas, Martin & Tracey). During his marriage of 67 years he adored every moment with his wife and would light up when talking about her.

Whitey was an avid bowler & poker player who enjoyed playing in leagues/tournaments over several decades with his best friends. Whitey loved to take his family out on the boat at Buckeye Lake and go fishing on weekends. He enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for shells while vacationing with family in Florida. Whitey was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes. If he couldn’t watch a game on TV, he would make sure to listen to it on the radio. Whitey would spend hours working outdoors ensuring he always had a beautiful lawn. He doted upon his entire family and loved spending time with his grandchildren & great grandchildren. 

Whitey is survived by his wife, Charlotte Conkle; his children, Douglas Conkle, Martin Conkle, and Tracey Fowler; his grandchildren, Bryan Fowler and Chelsey (Kyle) Walden; and his great grandchildren, Charli, Crimson & Patrick. He is predeceased by his siblings, Dorothy Ellison, Kenneth “Dick” Conkle, Betty Chapman, and Norma Dalton; his parents, Luther & Louella Conkle. 

Whitey's family will receive friends on Friday, November 8, 2024 beginning at 12 Noon at the Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH where his funeral service will be held at 1:00pm with Pastor Tracy Fowler officiating. Interment Jefferson Township Cemetery.

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