Obituary: Elkins, William “Bill”
Age 75
ELKINS,
William “Bill”
(Age 75)
A life long Oakesdale, WA resident passed away on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Whitman Hospital & Medical Center in Colfax, WA.
Bill was born September 4, 1936 in Oakesdale to William and Grace (Dicus) Elkins.
He grew up in Oakesdale and following his graduation from Oakesdale High School attended Washington State College for a time.
Bill married his childhood sweetheart Dorothy Ellis on May 25, 1956 and together they have made Oakesdale their home.
Bill worked as a parts manager for 20 plus years at Linke Truck & Implement Co., following which he went to work for Whitman County until his retirement in 1993.
Bill was a 32 year member of the Oakesdale Volunteer Fire Dept.
as well as a 45 year member of the Masonic Lodge in Oakesdale.
He was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Oakesdale and was always active in the life of the church.
Bill enjoyed taking care of his town, always doing something for others.
He loved his family and cherished his role as husband, father and grandfather.
The outdoors was a special place for Bill where his many activities included fishing throughout the years.
Later in life Bill bought back his fathers Black-Smith Shop where he spent many hours of the day building and fixing things and woodworking.
Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years Dorothy at the family home in Oakesdale; his children Bill Elkins and wife Amy of Oakesdale; Donna Newman and husband Rick of Spokane Valley; David Elkins and wife Shelly of Rosalia; Jodi Elkins-Desforges and husband Chris Desforges of New York; two sisters Marian Phalon and Betty Shoults; brother Jack O. Elkins; 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Frank Elkins.
The viewing will take place at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax, WA on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Oakesdale with vault interment to follow at the Oakesdale Cemetery.
BRUNING FUNERAL HOME of Colfax is caring for the family.
Memorials are suggested to the Community Presbyterian Church of Oakesdale; the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Oakesdale Volunteer Fire Dept.
Online condolences may be sent to www.bruningfuneralhome.com