Conklin

Robert “Bob”/“Coach” Conklin, 81, passed peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at Sunnyview Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

He was the son of the late John R. and Elizabeth “Lib” Conklin. Bob was born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1944, and was the oldest of four boys. He spent a large part of his childhood in Waynesburg, Pa., then moved to Butler in 1960 and graduated from Butler High School in 1962.

Bob retired from Armco Steelworks after 31 years in 1995, then went on to teach safe driving classes for AAA, as well as student drivers’ education. He was well-known in the community as he coached football for 32 years. He started his coaching career in the Butler Midget Football League, he was head coach at Moniteau High School in the early 1980s as well for the semi-pro team The Butler County Eagles. He was an assistant coach at Butler High School as well.

Coach Conklin was most proud of helping his players become better men through instilling life lessons as he coached. If you ask any one of his players to this day, they will agree that he taught much more than football.

Robert is survived by his three daughters, Denine (Jay) Grabiec, of Canfield, Ohio, Alissa (Robert) Zanella, of Butler, and Jennifer Conklin-Stoepfel, of Grove City; his precious grandchildren, Robert (Erin) Zanella, Matthew (Ann) Zanella, Lindsey and Alexa Grabiec, and Julia Stoepfel; his stepgrandchildren, Emma and Maya Stoepfel; and his brothers, Jim and Doug. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Mike.

CONKLIN — Family and friends of Robert “Bob”/“Coach” Conklin, who died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler. A closing prayer will immediately follow in the funeral home.

Please offer condolences at www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.