Richard L. Elkin

Born in Covington, Kentucky and raised in Houston, TX. In his early years, Mr. Elkin went to school in Houston ISD and was a carpenter with his father. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Mr. Elkin would work for Westinghouse and Wildcat Electric. Later, he would retire from North Forest ISD as head electrician.

He married his wife, Nadine Vann on New Year’s Eve, 1958. They built a house in Houston, and remained together until her death on December 8, 2014.

Mr. Elkin had a passion for hunting and fishing. He enjoyed numerous hunting and fishing adventures with his best friend Tommy Hawkins, including trips to Alaska and Africa.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Jerome Elkin and Florence Amelia Pickerell Wenstrup, his wife of 55 years Nadine, his son Robert Corbin Whitaker Jr., his sister and brother-in-law Sally Ann and Bill Parker and his brother-in-law and his wife, Perry Joe and Ilene Vann.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter Phyllis Cart and husband Ben of Iota, Louisiana, grandchildren Robbie Whitaker and Christelle, Tommie Whitaker and wife Tiffani, Ben Cart, Jr., Amanda Richard and husband Lonnie (Brud), and Richard Shirley, as well as his great-grandchildren Tyler, Corbin, Benton, Brooks, Kate Beckett, and Nolan. He also leaves his niece Joyce Ann Parker and nephews Mike Parker, Charlie Vann and wife Allison, and Ted Vann and wife Emily as well as numerous other family members and life-long friends. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Donna Fisher, his caregiver.

Services will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home with a viewing on Thursday, January 23, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and the funeral services on Friday, January 24, at Noon.