John Carroll Elkins, 71, of King George passed away Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, while on vacation in Southeast Asia.
John was born in Minden, the eldest of three children. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana Tech. After he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy, he went on to earn his Masters of Science degree from Georgia Tech, also in civil engineering.
John retired from the Navy after 27 years as a captain. His naval career took him all over the world and he left with many honors, including Legion of Merit. He then went on to serve as the Director of Construction at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, where he oversaw the expansion of the blue line.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were lifelong hobbies. He could almost always be found in one of his gardens and was a certified Master Gardener. John was a man of God, a life-long church-goer, always striving to do what was right. His humble, strong ways were evident to all who knew him. His devotion and love for his family, especially wife, Beth was always paramount.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Elkins; two sons, John Bart Elkins (Sara) and Slade Almand Elkins (Kate); daughter, CaroLu Elkins; sister, Regina Maxey; five grandchildren, Julia Bethanna, John Asher, Ava Mae, Judith Blaire and John Kenan; and aunt, Mary Kirkley.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at Doyline Cemetery in Doyline, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO BOX 5018 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018.