(From Derfelt Funeral Home)William "Bill" Franklin Elkins, age 82 of Baxter Springs, passed away at his home at 2:54 PM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Bill was born on May 9, 1942 in Dickson, TN to the union of David Washington Elkins and Alma Virginia (Alexander) Elkins. At the age of 13, he hitchhiked to Las Vegas, NM, where his uncle lived and ran a junkyard and auto shop.
Over the next several years, Bill learned how to fix and rebuild automobiles. While in New Mexico, he also worked as a ranch hand before enlisting in the US Air Force. Throughout his life, he mastered many skills including carpentry, furniture building, home building and renovation, and truck driving. He retired from TAMKO Building Products in 1988 as a truck driver and dispatcher.
He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and riding motorcycles. He was a member of the Red Wing Motorcycle Association. Bill also served as Pastor at a church in Tennessee, at Hazeldell Baptist Church in Cherryvale, KS, and at Lakeview Community Church at Hidden Valley Lake - a church building that he renovated. He lived for 82 years, and packed a whole lot of life into those years.
He was united in marriage with Patricia Ann Herren on February 14, 2018 in Chetopa, KS. She survives.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Patty Hayes (husband, Rob) of Joplin, MO, and Roberta White (husband, Terry) of Joplin; one son, Don Elkins of Carthage, MO; one sister, Lou Gafford of White Bluff, TN; three step-daughters, Dawn Konforty of Scottsdale, AZ, Christina Derixson (husband, Bill) of Alvin, TX, and Summer Loomba (husband, Derek) of the State of Virginia; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was united in marriage with Patricia Ann Herren on February 14, 2018 in Chetopa, KS. She survives.
Additional survivors include two daughters, Patty Hayes (husband, Rob) of Joplin, MO, and Roberta White (husband, Terry) of Joplin; one son, Don Elkins of Carthage, MO; one sister, Lou Gafford of White Bluff, TN; three step-daughters, Dawn Konforty of Scottsdale, AZ, Christina Derixson (husband, Bill) of Alvin, TX, and Summer Loomba (husband, Derek) of the State of Virginia; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Alma Elkins; three sisters, Josephine, Nellie, and Marie; and one infant brother, Lawrence.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Derfelt's Baxter Chapel, with funeral service following at 11:00 AM. Pastor Russell Presson will officiate.
Following the service, Mr. Elkins will be entrusted to Derfelt Crematory. Private burial of ashes will take place at Oswego Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment