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Submitted: 12/5/15 • Approved: 7/23/23 • Last Updated: 7/26/23 • R779714-G779714-S3
Charles
US Air Force
May 25, 1944 - July 10, 2023
*Obituary
Mason-Woodard Funeral Home
Joplin, Missouri
Lovingly written by Don's family...
Charles Don Elkins, age 79, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 10, 2023 at his residence in Neosho, Missouri.
Don was born in Stella, Missouri on May 25, 1944, son of the late Quannah and Rutholene (Brattin) Elkins. He was raised in Wheaton, Missouri and was a 1962 graduate of Wheaton High School, joining the Air Force after graduation. On June 10, 1965 he was united in marriage to Leann (Utter) Elkins who proceeded him in death in 1999 after 34 years of marriage. From this union three children were born. Surviving are Victoria Thomas of Neosho, Missouri and Troy Elkins (wife Ronni) of Baxter Springs, Kansas. His son Allen Elkins proceeded him in death in 2020. Don was also proceeded in death by his brother Loy Elkins and a special cousin Jeanie Decocq.
Don is also survived by his wife of 23 years, Melba (Keith Wilson) Elkins of the home, his brother Carl and wife Christa Elkins of Joplin, Missouri, and Joyce (Seward) Elkins of Webb City, Missouri. He also has five stepsons: Denny Wilson (wife Tina), Ray Wilson, Andy Wilson (wife Jonie), Gary Wilson (wife Teresa), and Doug Wilson (wife Kim).
Don loved his many grandchildren and shared his faith and example with them. Surviving grandchildren include Nicolas Thomas, Nathaniel Thomas (wife Breanna), Tia Elkins Epley (husband David and great-grandchildren Sebastian and Anastasia), David Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Liam Elkins, Miriam Thomas, Mary Ruth Thomas, Micaiah Thomas, and Emma Crain.
He inherited and cared for many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with his wife Melba and especially made an impact in the lives of Colton and Trey.
He is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Don worked for Dictaphone after serving in the military. He worked in home construction and remodeling, owning and operating one of the areas first portable storage building manufacturing businesses, owned and managed rentals, and raised cattle among other jobs.
During later years Don worked with his wife Melba in Sojourners and WeCare to win souls. He held bible studies and wanted to make his life count as an example that would help win souls for the Lord. Don loved to meet people and rarely met a stranger anywhere he went.
A family held visitation will be held at his church home, Seneca Church of Christ, 1820 St. Louise Street, Seneca, Missouri on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 1:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm with Jake King officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Comfort Cemetery, Rocky Comfort, Missouri.
Leann
October 3, 1947 - February 8, 1999
*Obituary
The Joplin Globe
Wednesday, February 10, 1999
Toni Leann Elkins, age 51, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Monday February 8, 1999, in St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin. She was born October 3, 1947, in Wheaton, Missouri, the daughter of Olin Eugene "Toney" and Mary Alice Pearson Utter.
On June 10, 1965, in Neosho, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Don Elkins, who survives. Other surviving relatives include her mother: Mary Alice Nelson of Exeter, MO; two sons, Allen Elkins and Troy Elkins, both of Joplin, MO; a daughter, Victoria Thomas of Joplin, MO; two brothers, Larry Utter and Leroy Utter, both of Exeter, MO; a sister, Linda Holly of Spring Hill, KS; and five grandchildren, Nicolas Thomas, Nathaniel Thomas, David Thomas, Daniel Thomas, and Tia Elkins.
She was preceded in death by her father and stepfather. Mrs. Elkins was a 1965 graduate of Exeter High School. After her marriage, she and her husband lived in Kirksville, MO, while in the Air Force for three years. She had also lived in Kansas City and Springfield before moving to Joplin twenty-eight years ago. She was a homemaker and for the last several years worked as a self-employed carpenter with her husband. She was a member of the Southwest Missouri Rental Housing Association and the Church of Christ.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 1999, in Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville. Minister Ron Gibson and Minister Don Deffenbaugh will conduct the service. Burial will be in Rocky Comfort Cemetery, Rocky Comfort, MO. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 1999, at Fohn Funeral Home.
Married June 10, 1965
Contributed on 12/5/15 by wfields55
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Record #: 779714