John W. Elkins, 90, of Coldwater, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Coldwater with Pastor Aaron Chittick officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, August 20, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
John was born March 29, 1931 in Pike County, KY to Ruben Dodge & Letha (Mullins) Elkins. He married Bertha Trivette on August 11, 1954 in Kentucky. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2012.
Mr. Elkins worked for 28 years at Midwest Foundry in Coldwater where he served as Union Steward and was instrumental in establishing a pension for all employees, which is currently still in force. Following his retirement he was a greeter at Wal Mart. John was an active member of the Coldwater Moose Lodge, where he spent many Sundays playing Texas hold’em with friends. He was a bee keeper and enjoyed gardening and garage sales. John loved the outdoors, camping and was an avid fisherman. He participated in Bass fishing leagues for many years, winning many tournaments, most recently, taking first place at the age of 90. John was the patriarch of his family. He was a wise man who worked hard and was very dedicated to raising his family, always sharing words of wisdom.
John is survived by his children John R. (Alisha Staley) Elkins, Ed (Sue) Elkins, Cyndi (Greg) Murray, Scott (Gaytha) Elkins all of Coldwater, his siblings Mathel Van Over, George Elkins both of Kentucky, Virdell (Lea) Elkins, Linda Elkins all of Coldwater, June(Clyde) Newsome of Indiana, his grandchildren Lynn, Amy, Angie, Jonathan, Naomi Sue, Alexa, Jayden, Elisha, Erin, Laura, Emmi, Chase, Chelsea, Tristan, Katie, Josh, Amy, BreeAnna, Keegan, Carson, Karissa, Noah, Kaitlin; 24 great grandchildren and 17 great, great grandchildren. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters Paul Elkins, Mary Elkins, Lawrence Elkins, Garland Elkins, Anthony and Frascovia Elkins.
Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church. www.dutcherfh.com.
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