The Rev. William Arthur “Bill” Konkel, of Laurel, Del., became a permanent citizen of heaven after his labor on Earth was complete. His heavenly reward was received on Feb. 6, 2024, at the age of 80. Born in Flanders, N.Y., on Sept. 22, 1943, he was the son of the late Ellis Wilford Konkel and the late Dorothy Mae Rogers Konkel.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Konkel, of Laurel; children, Rosemary Stevens (Gregory), of Summerville, S.C., John Konkel (Laurie), of Exmore, Johanna Demir (Mehmet), of Laurel, and Eileen Gambacini (the late Edward), of Midlothian; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson, Liam James Konkel; siblings, James Konkel, of Riverhead, N.Y., Judith McGowan, of Flanders, and Ellis Konkel, of Eastport, N.Y.; and by extended family and church friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Dorothy Mae Konkel, and two brothers, Robert Bruce Konkel and Gary Wayne Konkel.
Bill was a hardworking family man who loved sharing his faith in Christ. He worked for VDOT as a mechanic, yet his true calling was serving the Lord and others. Bill earned his associate degree in ministry at age 53, and he became an ordained minister who brought the gospel message to those incarcerated during 16 years of local jail ministry.
After retiring from VDOT, he became the pastor of Rock Church in Laurel, serving there for 10 years. His involvement in his community was greatly appreciated and he was loved by many. Bill led several mission trips to Bolivia, Canada, France, Germany, Haiti, Romania, and Russia.
Bill loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed going to yard sales and restoring square body Chevy trucks. But his favorite pastimes were spending time with his family and talking with others about the Lord. Known for his boldness, Bill would pray for anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
The greatest testimony a man can have is not given by him, but by those who knew him best. His legacy in the Lord continues through his wife, Deborah, who said, “Church just won’t be the same without my husband beside me.”
His daughter Rosemary said, “‘Konkel’ means ‘bold warrior.’ My father was definitely a bold warrior for the Lord and the best Dad ever!”
His son John said, “Dad loved God and he loved his family with a sincere and a pure heart.”
Daughter Johanna said, “Dad loved spending time with his family and telling stories about his relationship with Jesus.”
Daughter Eileen said, “From ‘The Amazing Race’ to ‘Where the Red Fern Grows,’ the recollections of my dad’s ceaseless love, steadfast guidance, enduring support, and unbending loyalty are all now invaluable memories that I will hold forever in my heart.”
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at 2 p.m., at the Rock Church in Onley with the Rev. John Konkel officiating. A reception will follow immediately afterward.
“I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17:7 NIV)
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
