Paul Thomas McConkie

Paul Thomas McConkie, 57, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Friday, May 19, 2006 in Moses Lake. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2006 at the Stake Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1515 S. Division with Bishop Rod Redford officiating. Family will greet friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. Interment will follow at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake.

Paul was born July 8, 1948 in Elko, Nev., to George Wilson and Mabel (Stephensen) McConkie. He was the youngest of four children. Paul was raised and educated in St. George, Utah. He played varsity football and was a pitcher on the varsity baseball team. He also played trumpet in the band and was the band president. After high school he attended Dixie College in St. George. He then served a two year mission for the L.D.S. Church in England at age 19. Following his mission he attended Brigham Young University. While at BYU, Paul met Sharon Lynne Sparks of Moses Lake. Eleven days after they began dating, Paul proposed marriage and Sharon accepted. They were married on March 17, 1972 in the St. George L.D.S. Temple. A short time later they moved to Moses Lake where Paul began his career in farming. Paul has also in recent years become involved with commercial land developing. He was currently working on a new car dealership building on the frontage road that he was acquiring with his father-in-law, David Sparks.

Paul is survived by his sweetheart of 34 years, Sharon L. Sparks McConkie; one son and daughter-in-law, David and Sara McConkie; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Tami and Travis Perrin, Heidi and Andy Walker, Michelle and Tyler Caudle, Stacy and Ryan Graham and youngest daughter Nicole McConkie, who is 10 years old; mother, Mabel Stephensen McConkie; brother, George Wilson McConkie; two sisters, Donna Chamberlain and Linda Brady; 10 grandchildren.

There are not words to describe Paul's love for others. He served in numerous positions in the L.D.S. Church including Bishop in Moses Lake 6th Ward. He enjoyed helping and showing love for others. He constantly saw the best in everyone and sought to bring it out. His numerous friends and family would say without a doubt he was a man of honor, love and compassion. He was a "giver" in life.