Major USA Ret. Clarence Pat Elkins

Clarence "Pat" passed peacefully at 1124 P.M. on 18 March 2017. Pat was born in Jeffrey, West Virginia to Freda and Norville Elkins. He is survived by his wife Anita of 53 years; children Brent (Vickie), Kevin (Ernesto), Jeffrey (Cynthia), Martin (Diana), Shannon (Martin), Brenda (Dana), Diane (Don), Patricia; sisters Kathryn, Marilou, Geraldine (Wayne); 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his two protective and loving dogs Ralph and Patches. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Max, Wanda and Don.

Pat proudly served in the US Army for 21 years and 34 years for the Department of the Army. He traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia. During WWII, he was training to be a part of the Japan Invasion Force but soon became part of the Occupation Force after the Japanese surrendered. While there, his duties included overseeing soldiers patrolling the harbor for smugglers and thieves. He also dedicated time to the less fortunate affected by the war, by giving them necessities whenever he could. He received numerous awards and medals highlighting his military and civilian career.

In addition to faithfully serving his country, he was inducted and honored to be selected as a Kentucky Colonel. While in Kentucky, Pat was heavily involved in the youth soccer programs, having coached championship teams, refereeing and developing an elite traveling club, the Kentucky Kickers. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, especially making bread and the best breakfasts. He was an outstanding handyman with a naturally creative talent, from construction, carpentry, electrical work, gardening, landscaping, and drafting. Pat could do anything he set his mind to. His early morning entertainment was doing the cryptogram and crossword puzzle. He was an avid bridge and pinochle player in his day and happily entertained the family with his classical guitar, keyboard sessions, and his priceless sense of humor. His relaxation was spent watching sports, especially his Washington Redskins.

The family wants to extend their gratitude to Christus Hospice and caregivers Magda Perez, Alma Villapanda, Elva Salazar, Jacqueline Hernandez, Carlo Tomasi, Mariselle Hungerford and Minerva Matta who unselfishly and lovingly cared for Pat during the last precious months of his life. Pat will be greatly missed but always loved and remembered forever by all who knew him.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday 7 April 2017 at 0930 in Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Road, San Antonio TX 78216 with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Pat's honor.