1916
Theodore
2012
Theodore T. Elkins
July 28, 1916 — March 19, 2012
Harlingen:
Ted Elkins, 95,“ Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” This is a quote of the great Dalai Lama, but also something in which Ted Elkins believed deeply and took with him, along with his deep faith, as he began his journey into the next life to which he looked forward with great wonder and curiosity. Ted left this world early Monday, March 19, at home with Mac, his loving wife of almost 62 years, by his side.
Born in McMinville, TN on July 28, 1916, Ted possessed a brilliant mind and approached life with endless energy, working in the physical sense into his 90’s, and maintaining excellent mental skills and abilities right up to the days prior to his passing. After marrying in 1950 and spending a brief time in Harlingen, Ted and Mac spent 21 years in Harrison, AR. Often saying he was a “jack of all trades but good at none,” they started and operated a variety of businesses, from dealing in structural steel, lumber and ready mix to concrete to a roadside sign company. In the early 1960’s Ted built the larges car ferry to traverse Lake Norfork in northeastern Arkansas, and it remained in service for almost 30 years. Together they later built and operated a motel and RV park in Harrison, The Valley Inn.
Partly due to his love for Latin America and its people, especially Mexico, in 1971 they left the Ozarks for the Rio Grande Valley settling first in Brownsville and then in Harlingen in 1979. In Brownville the dabbled in a bit in real estate, then bought a motel which they operated until the move. In Harlingen, Ted developed another rental property and RV park, and in the last decade was able to help many individuals through his wisdom and financial good instincts and in doing so in many cases helped improve their lives. Though not all of these relationships turned out as successfully as he wished, no one ever lost out due to any misstep on his part, and many of these individuals continued to call him friend. He was hones to a fault at times and always true to his word.
At only three years of age Ted lost his beautiful mother, Mary, and over the years his father, George T. Elkins, beloved stepmother, Katherine Kallenbach Elkins, favorite uncle, Thomas McGuire and brother, Dick R. Elkins.
Besides Mac, surviving Ted are children: Linda of Richmond, TX, David of San Francisco, CA, Ted, II of Santa Monica, CA, and Les of South Padre Island, TX; grandchildren, Brad (Lisa) and David (Katrina) Crone, Ryan (Debra) and Andy (Mykal) Elkins; great grandchildren Christina, Ryan, Tyler and Trevor Crone; Peyton, Kalleigh and Kyle Elkins; brothers, George, Charles and Dan Elkins and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
On one of his final days Ted said “I have had a fascinating life” and to celebrate that life a memorial service will be held this Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 2:00 PM at his beloved St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Harlingen. The Rev. Scott Brown and The Rev. Chris Caddell will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, Ted would be honored by donations to Planned Parenthood, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church or to the charity or organization of your choice.
Ted out or care for others donated his body to medical science.
Ted Elkins, 95,“ Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” This is a quote of the great Dalai Lama, but also something in which Ted Elkins believed deeply and took with him, along with his deep faith, as he began his journey into the next life to which he looked forward with great wonder and curiosity. Ted left this world early Monday, March 19, at home with Mac, his loving wife of almost 62 years, by his side.
Born in McMinville, TN on July 28, 1916, Ted possessed a brilliant mind and approached life with endless energy, working in the physical sense into his 90’s, and maintaining excellent mental skills and abilities right up to the days prior to his passing. After marrying in 1950 and spending a brief time in Harlingen, Ted and Mac spent 21 years in Harrison, AR. Often saying he was a “jack of all trades but good at none,” they started and operated a variety of businesses, from dealing in structural steel, lumber and ready mix to concrete to a roadside sign company. In the early 1960’s Ted built the larges car ferry to traverse Lake Norfork in northeastern Arkansas, and it remained in service for almost 30 years. Together they later built and operated a motel and RV park in Harrison, The Valley Inn.
Partly due to his love for Latin America and its people, especially Mexico, in 1971 they left the Ozarks for the Rio Grande Valley settling first in Brownsville and then in Harlingen in 1979. In Brownville the dabbled in a bit in real estate, then bought a motel which they operated until the move. In Harlingen, Ted developed another rental property and RV park, and in the last decade was able to help many individuals through his wisdom and financial good instincts and in doing so in many cases helped improve their lives. Though not all of these relationships turned out as successfully as he wished, no one ever lost out due to any misstep on his part, and many of these individuals continued to call him friend. He was hones to a fault at times and always true to his word.
At only three years of age Ted lost his beautiful mother, Mary, and over the years his father, George T. Elkins, beloved stepmother, Katherine Kallenbach Elkins, favorite uncle, Thomas McGuire and brother, Dick R. Elkins.
Besides Mac, surviving Ted are children: Linda of Richmond, TX, David of San Francisco, CA, Ted, II of Santa Monica, CA, and Les of South Padre Island, TX; grandchildren, Brad (Lisa) and David (Katrina) Crone, Ryan (Debra) and Andy (Mykal) Elkins; great grandchildren Christina, Ryan, Tyler and Trevor Crone; Peyton, Kalleigh and Kyle Elkins; brothers, George, Charles and Dan Elkins and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
On one of his final days Ted said “I have had a fascinating life” and to celebrate that life a memorial service will be held this Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 2:00 PM at his beloved St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Harlingen. The Rev. Scott Brown and The Rev. Chris Caddell will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, Ted would be honored by donations to Planned Parenthood, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church or to the charity or organization of your choice.
Ted out or care for others donated his body to medical science.
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