Keith Gerald Elkins

On June 1, 1935, God was finished with his creation of Keith Gerald Elkins, and he was born to Harry and Opal Elkins in Butler, Oklahoma. He was raised with two brothers Rene and Ghary, and sister Harrileen Bernethy who preceded him in death. Keith’s dad was a butcher and his parents owned a grocery store in Spade, Texas. It was through his upbringing and working in the store that Keith developed an extraordinary work ethic. In 1975, Keith moved his family from Lubbock, Texas to San Angelo, as he was hired by Shannon Medical Center. He was extremely skilled at mechanics and served the hospital as a maintenance engineer. He loved his work and he never missed a day due to illness, until he suffered a heart attack in 1996. As soon as he recovered, he was back at work. He was a dedicated employee for 24 years

As most teenagers in the 1950’s, he spent much of his time riding around the Hi-D-Ho Drive In. It was on one of these outings with his best friend, Earl Andrews, that Earl asked Tommie’s best friend, Betty Lou McCollum out on a date. Betty Lou said because she did not know him well enough, she would not go unless her best friend Tommie could double date with them, so they set up their best friends Keith and Tommie for a double date. All four of them never dated anyone else after their first date. Keith graduated from Spade High School in Spade, Texas, and Tommie graduated from Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas. After graduation Keith joined the United States Army. He received his basic training at Fort Bliss and then was stationed in Germany for two years. After returning to the United States, he attended Texas Tech University for two years before marrying Tommie on December 4, 1959. The rest is history.

Keith and Tommie have two sons, and two daughters. Janice Lynn (husband, Marcus Anderson), Shelly Roxanne (husband, Bernie Timm), Randall Keith, and Kyle Jason (wife, Cherie). They were blessed with three grandchildren. Jan’s son Logan Tyler Graves, and Roxanne and Bernie’s children, Scott Dale Timm and Shelly Suzanne Timm.

Keith cared for and loved helping his fellow man. He spent countless hours doing household mechanical work and vehicle mechanics to help friends and family out. He could repair most anything. While Keith was healthy he was always active in his church, and at one time served as a deacon.

Towards the end of Keith’s life, he was challenged with Alzheimer’s Disease. It was because of his devoted wife Tommie that he was able to remain at home, carried for by Tommie and his loving family. After many years as the disease progressed, Tommie brought in help, in order for Keith to remain at home. The family would like to thank his caregivers through the Veterans Administration and Kindred Hospice for helping in his final days.

Keith passed away at 9:15am on July 24, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife Tommie, daughter, Roxanne, and grandchildren, Scott and Shelly Timm.

Funeral service will be held at Johnson Street Church of Christ on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith’s memory may be made to your favorite charity or Christian Relief Fund, P. O. Box 19670, Amarillo, Texas 79114, memo Kitale Children’s Home, or make a check to Johnson Street Church of Christ, 2200 Johnson Ave., San Angelo, Texas 76904, and memo Kitale Children’s Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Elkins family.