Pastor Alvin B. Conkey

Pastor Alvin B. Conkey, age 77, of Dennison was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 8, 2024, while in the care of Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover. A man of strength, kindness, humility and resilience, Alvin was blessed to have a miraculous second chance at life when he received the gift of a heart transplant following a devastating cardiac event on Christmas Day, 1997.  

Born in Lancaster, Ohio on August 17, 1947, Alvin was a son of the late Lester T. and Sarah E. Wilson Conkey. Following his graduation from Lancaster High School Alvin obtained a Bachelor of Theology from Ohio Christian University and later earned a Masters in Ministry from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. 

Alvin devoted 52 years to ministry, serving in various roles including lead pastor, associate pastor, evangelist, and hospice chaplain. For over two decades, he has been an Associate Pastor at Goshen Community Church of the Nazarene. He had a profound love for studying the Bible and cherished engaging in lengthy discussions about scripture. His passion was teaching others about the importance of being a “Christian in today’s World.” 

Despite his health challenges, Alvin maintained a vibrant sense of humor that brought joy to his family and friends. He appreciated opportunities spent golfing, frog gigging, fishing, and mushroom hunting, but above all, he treasured the time spent with his family. 

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, the former Connie Canfield, whom he married on July 1, 1972; their sons, Brian (Tanya) Conkey of Plano, Texas, and Kevin (April) Conkey of Bedford, Ohio; a grandson, Vincent Conkey of Rock Hill, South Carolina; his brothers, Lester (Claire) Conkey of Westerville, Ohio and Thomas (Doris) Conkey of Amanda, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Alvin was reunited in heaven with his parents, eight beautiful grandchildren, and a sister, Algia Wilson. 

The family will greet guests on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 2-5 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where an additional hour of visitation will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. A celebration of Alvin’s life will be held in the funeral home’s chapel at 10:30 AM with burial to follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. A meal and fellowship will be shared in the Social Hall of the Goshen Community Church of the Nazarene. 

Memorial contributions in Alvin’s name may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice Foundation 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.