Edwin L. Conklan, age 78, of Kennedy, AL passed away October 30, 2025 at his home. He was born December 26, 1946 in Mobile, Alabama to the late Irvin Conklan Sr. and Hazel (Aldridge) Conklan. He was the husband of the late Jo Ann (Sutton) Conklan. He was a retired U.S. postal worker in Tuscaloosa, AL and a U.S. Navy veteran. Edwin grew up in Mobile, AL.

He was raised close to the beach. He and his younger brother, Irvin, caught crabs from Mobile Bay. Dad told me that they would put the crabs under the hot water in the sink. When the crabs turned pink, he and Irvin would crack 'em open with a spoon and eat crab meat from the sink. Most people dream of living near the beach, but he and Irvin loved going to Kennedy to be with his grandparents, Joe & Millie Aldridge. They adored Joe and the times they both spent in Kennedy. It had a tremendous impact on them both. He loved country living and never wanted to go back. I never remember him eating seafood, but he did loved gumbo. He talked so much about the fun he and Irvin had as little boys in Kennedy. He inherited the land in Kennedy that belonged to his grandparents and built a house in that very spot.
Edwin was a family man. He worked hard to make sure his family was taken care of. He paid God first, then his bills, and then we ate. I assure you, his family never went hungry. He worked at the Central Foundry as a pattern maker in Tuscaloosa, AL until it shut down. He did carpentry work, hauled pulp wood, and worked for the Army Corp. of Engineers working on a lock and dam. He did whatever it took to support his family. Then, he became employed for the US Postal Service where he earned many awards for going above and beyond the call of duty. He eventually retired from the USPS.  He was a generous man to all that knew him. He was kindhearted and somewhat ornary at times too. Hey, nobody's perfect.

He was faithful to his church (Kennie Hill Church) in Gordo, AL where he served as an adult Sunday school teacher. He loved to sing. Many on his postal route called him the singing mailman. He has earned his reward and present with the Lord now, and we're sure he's singing right now.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann, his parents, and brothers, Irvin L. Conklan Jr. and David W. Conklan.

Survivors include daughters, Angela Zeneise Conklan Hicks, Teresa Ann Conklan Segrest and Kelli Marie Conklan Lollar (Corey); brother, Stephen Conklan (Linda) ; six grandchildren, Blake Hicks (Billie Jo), Kacie Leonard, Ashley Leonard Singh (Jasper), Marissa Lollar Brown (Daniel) , Evan Lollar and Ryland Lollar; and two great-grandchildren, Kyndal Wilkerson and Priya Harton.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Dowdle Funeral Home with Bro. Ed Nabors officiating.  Burial will be in Kennedy City Cemetery with Dowdle Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Blake Hicks, Corey Lollar, Evan Lollar, Ryland Lollar Daniel Brown & Gary House.