Donald Lawrence Elkins

ELKINS, Donald Lawrence
of Kalamazoo Don passed away on November 1, 2007 at Plainwell Pines Nursing and Rehab. He was born October 6, 1924, the son of Jesse David and Maude May Barnes Elkins at Crane, Missouri and later lived near Shell Knob. He was a World War II Army veteran serving his country in France, England, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany with the 12th Armored Group, including the Battle of the Bulge. On January 29th, 1944 he was united in marriage to Lillian Lee Perkins Elkins and left for the Army on February 5th, 1944 for two years. After returning to the States, he was preparing to go to Japan when the war ended. He finished his term as a military policeman at El Paso, Texas. On October 5th, 1950, he and his family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan and he went to work for Borroughs Mfg. the next day. After working there for over thirty-six years, he retired on January 15, 1987. He and Lillian spent the next twelve winters in Ocala, Florida. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, outdoor shuffle board, traveling, camping, country music, singing Karaoke, family get-togethers and going to family reunions in Missouri. Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillian and four children: Sharon Jim Staley, Beverly McKinney, Jerry Elkins and Patti Mike Petersen, all of Kalamazoo; and favorite daughter-in-law, Sheila Garey Guarisco. Eight grandchildren: Robyn Burlingham, Randi McKinney, Julie Steve Gruber, Jennifer Andre Reinert, Michael Melissa Elkins, Ashley Elkins, Jamie and Lacy Petersen. A grandson, Jon Raymond Staley preceded him in death in 1969 at age eleven months. Great-grandchildren are Jessi McKinney, Kaytlin Mott, Morgan and Logan Mendez, McKenna Burlingham, Seth, Jonathon and Sarah Gruber and David Newman. One brother, J.B. and Irene Elkins of Shell Knob, Missouri, special brother and sister-in-laws Doug and Bonnie MacDonnold of Republic, Missouri. Many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers, Noel, Clyde and Jesse Elkins, four sisters, Amy Moore, Nina Maile, Hazel Hartin and Dorothy Weber. Visitation will take place Sunday from 2 ? 4:00PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Comstock Chapel, 6121 King Hwy, Comstock. Funeral services will be held Monday, 11:00AM, at the chapel. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of S.W. Michigan.