Rural Fayette, Mo. resident, Ryan Conklin, age 23, passed away in Georgia due to an automobile accident, alongside his faithful companion, “Dog”.

Ryan Spencer Conklin was born November 15, 2001 in Columbia, Mo., the son of Randy and Sondra (Johnmeyer) Conklin.  Ryan grew up in the Hallsville/Columbia Mo. area and became involved in rodeoing after showing interest at a very early age.  He attended Hallsville schools until rodeo schedule conflicts during his freshman year.  He then began home schooling through Vichy Christian Academy where he graduated in 2020.

He began working for Jeremy Stephens at the age of 16 where he took care of cattle, farmed and hauled grain.  As soon as he was old enough to get his CDL he began operating storm trucks and hauling cattle. 

Ryan loved to make a buck.  He was trading ponies and goats before he was 10 years old.  In his teens it turned into trucks, or whatever he saw on Marketplace that he knew he could make some money on.  This often led to some great adventures with his close buddies.  Most recently, Ryan had worked doing storm work with TD Trucking and Bo Atkins, as well has driving semi for Trey Marriott.  His biggest love was driving a big rig and hauling cattle, and he was bound to follow in the footsteps of his PaPa Butch and his Uncle Justin, and do just that.

Ryan never met a stranger.  He loved to talk and could make conversation with anyone, anywhere.  He was an old soul.  He was kind, funny, adventurous and a tad ornery.  He will be hugely missed by family and his circle of friends from all walks of his path here on earth.

Survivors include his parents, Randy and Sondra Conklin of Fayette, Mo. and his maternal grandparents, Kenneth “Butch” and Linda Johnmeyer of Fayette, Mo.  He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Ryan was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roger and Vivian Conklin.

Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Faith Family Church in Fayette, Mo.  A funeral service honoring the life of Ryan Conklin will be 10 AM, Friday, January 17, 2025 at Faith Family Church, with Rev. Jamie Page officiating.  Interment will follow the service at the Johnmeyer-Conklin Family Cemetery on the family farm in rural Fayette.  If planning on attending the burial, please bring warm clothes and prepare for weather conditions.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri High School Rodeo Association.  Final arrangements are under the direction of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Fayette.  Online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com.