Harold Donald Elkins

Harold Donald Elkins, 87, of Overland Park, Kansas and Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2010. A visitation and short service will be held on Friday, July 2nd, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at McGilley State Line Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church of Overland Park, 8600 West 91st Terrace, Overland Park, KS, 66212, or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 6811 West 63rd Street, Suite 202, Shawnee Mission, KS, 66202.

Harold was born June 23, 1923, the third child to James and Hattie Elkins. He grew up in Armourdale and graduated from Argentine High. He served in the Army during WWII. He spent several years in France and Germany and was awarded a bronze star. On his return, he enrolled at the University of Kansas and earned a degree in Architecture. His fondest memory of KU was going to the Orange Bowl in 1948, in a flat bed truck with 27 friends – it was a four day journey. He is in the “Orange Bowl or Bust truck photograph” that hangs in both Allen Field House and Memorial Stadium.

Harold’s first job after graduation was with Fox Construction Company as an estimator. He later worked as a civil engineer for the Corp of Engineers and retired from there after 29 years. He married Shirley Yost Carr in 1964. She had three young daughters. He said, “marrying Shirley was the best decision he ever made” and they were happily married for 44 years. The family moved to St. Louis and they had a son, Roger. While in St. Louis, Harold was responsible for estimating Lock and Dam 26 on the Mississippi River which was the largest and most complicated project the St. Louis Corp had undertaken. He proudly received a letter of commendation for the project.

Harold was an avid story teller with a great sense of humor. He was a caring husband, father, and grandfather that will be missed. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, First Southern Baptist Church and ROMEO breakfast club.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Wilford; sister, Hazel; wife, Shirley and his son, Roger. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands; Diane and Tom Trabon of Leawood, KS; Joyce and Alen Pulley of Sacramento, CA; Lesley and John Chlebak of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Tyler Trabon and wife Jennifer; Kaylie Trabon, Ellis Trabon, Brittany Pulley, Tim Pulley, Collin Chlebak, Chase Chlebak and Cal Chlebak.

Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.