Howard Eugene “Bud” Elkins, Jr. age 94, of Mankato, Kansas, peacefully left our world to be welcomed by Jesus and his loved ones in Heaven on June 17, 2024.

Bud was born to Howard and Josephine (Stevenson) Elkins in Paola, KS on August 14, 1929. Bud grew up on the farm which would become the Wakefield Arboretum with his two brothers, Robert (Donetta) and Richard (d. 2023) (Arlene) Elkins, and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1947.

Bud married his high school sweetheart Deane Settles (d. 1973) in December of 1946. To this union three children were born: Cathie Jo Bird (William d. 1998) of Pioneer, Tennessee; Pennie Kay Close (David d. 2010); and Robert “Bob” Timothy McDonald (Colette) of Allenspark, Colorado. The couple went their separate ways in 1956.

Bud married the love of his life, Sandra “Kay” Berry on September 7, 1957. The couple moved frequently during their marriage, spending a number of years in Wakefield, Kansas, and Franklin, Nebraska, then settled down in Mankato, Kansas in 1976, where they lived out the rest of their lives. Bud and Kay raised five children; Stephen Elkins (Debbie) of Wichita, KS; Kimberly Elkins Pierce (Henry), Joel Elkins (Janie Tyler), Shena Elkins Colson (Gary) all of Mankato; and Shane Elkins (Brenda) of Assaria, Kansas. Kay went to be with the Lord in 2018.

During his younger years, Bud was a member of the Congregational Church of Wakefield. In 1967 he was confirmed into the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mankato and was a dedicated member of that church until the end of his life. Bud’s devotion to God and his family were of utmost importance in his life. He served the Church as a frequent usher, a member of various boards, and as President of the Church Council.

Bud will always be remembered for his unwavering work ethic. He began his career with Alsop Sand in 1956, and went on to become a manager of several of their sand/cement plants, finally retiring in 2015 at the age of 86. Bud was respected by all that knew him, and most often described as humble, honest, kind and giving.

Bud is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Donetta Elkins, sister-in-law Arlene (widow of brother Dick Elkins), many nieces and nephews, and an impressive progeny of grand- and great-grandchildren:

Children and grandchildren of Pennie and David Close: Chris Close (Holly), daughters Taylor and Taryn Close; Sara Close and daughter Sky Warren; Becca Close; Robin Close (Emily) daughters Elise and Elena.

Children and grandchildren of Bob and Colette McDonald: Charles “Chuck” McDonald (Kimberly), daughters Celia and Cypress. Brian McDonald (Ann), son Evan and daughter Laurie.

Children and grandchildren of Steve and Debbie Elkins: Ashley Elkins, mother of Bradley and Graine; Katie Elkins Dhuyvetter (Dustin).

Children and grandchildren of Henry and Kim Pierce: Daniel Pierce (Emily), children Waylon and Willow; and Alexandria Pierce (Bryan Kontry).

Children and grandchildren of Joel Elkins and Janie Tyler: Trevor Elkins (Abigail), children Ronnie & Evie; Trent Elkins (Amanda), sons Christian, Kaden, Tyler, Logan, Jacob and Declan; Taylar Elkins, mother of Paisley, Jerzie, and Remington; Tiarra Elkins, mother of Ryleigh, Brenley, Graci, Boone and Blayklee; Bobi Cross (Aaron), children Andrew and Thoran; Chanse Moser, father of Laney; Kari Gibbs (Mitch), mother of Bentley and Ava Joy; Lara Neilson, mother of Collin, Cameron, and Conner.

Children and grandchildren of Shena and Gary Colson: Zach Colson (LaRae), father of Waysen, Stetson, Dallasen, Roper and Sterling; Josie Bowers (Wes), mother of Gabriel and Lillian; Gavin Colson (Coral), father of Logan, Emery, and Briggs; Clinton Colson (Justine); and Madison Befort, mother of Conner and Liam.

Children and grandchildren of Shane and Brenda Elkins: Fontana Harris-Dawson (Matt), mother of Forest, Jasper, Brigham and Oliver; Chancy Moberly (Brandon), mother of Torin; Shylie Kiefer; Kanin Elkins; and Hadley Elkins.

Family and friends will celebrate the life of Bud Elkins at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 S Center Street, Mankato, Kansas on Friday, June 28th at 10:30 a.m. with Inurnment at the West Lutheran Cemetery, Mankato. Lunch served by the Lutheran Ladies will follow. Memorials may be made payable to Mankato Evangelical Lutheran Church or Jewell County Senior Center. Visitation will occur from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday June 27th at Melby Mortuary with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.