Obituary of William C. Elkins

William C. Elkins, 95, of Burdett, passed from this life to the next on Sunday, August 19, 2018. A self described 'sinner saved, by grace', Bill was ready to meet his Lord and Savior. He was predeceased by his son, James Elkins. He is survived by his 'most wonderful wife' Irene Elkins, after 74 years of marriage; daughters, Betty (Keith) Tiede, Alice (Frank) Mischke, Mary (Jack) Redfield, Ruth (John) Walters; daughter-in-law Carolyn Elkins; grandchildren, Jessica, Raina and James Elkins, Christy (Tom) Chapman, Miles (Lindsay Barnes) Mischke, Phil (Catherine Carlson), Greg and Melanie Redfield, Michelle (Jay) Pavlik, and Rachel Abbott; great grandchildren, Elijah, Emma and Eleana Pavlik, and Brooklynn and Britton Chapman. Bill was born in Ithaca on January 16, 1923, and lived in various parts of New York during his growing years, with his favorite being near Great Sacandaga Lake where he could fish most afternoons. He met his wife in the Methodist youth group while attending Cornell University. Bill and Irene were married in 1944. He served in World War II from 1944-1946 and earned a Purple Heart for wounds received on March 17, 1945. After completion of a law degree from Cornell, Bill moved to Schuyler County where he practiced law from 1949 until his retirement at age 89. Highlights of his career included working for Henry Valent, starting the Schuyler Abstract Company with Irene in 1954, opening a private practice, serving as Public Defender, and finally working as a law clerk for two judges for whom he had the utmost respect. Bill was an active community member and was inducted into the Schuyler County Hall of Fame in 2013. He assisted in the formation of Smith Park and the Reynoldsville Community Center. He was a member of the Glen Baptist Church, the Burdett Fire Department, the Conservative Party, Burdett and Searsburg Grange, Odessa American Legion Post 676, the Hector Assessment Review Board, the John Birch Society and Property Rights of America. Dad was also an avid letter writer, particularly regarding public policy and defense of our freedoms. He was always interested in sending a letter to the local paper for the editorial page. His files contained many letters received from local and national public figures. The Elkins family very sincerely thanks the nurses and staff at Seneca View who took special care of Dad in his final months. We also thank those who visited and encouraged Mom and Dad during this difficult time. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 4-7 pm at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 1:30 pm at Glen Baptist Church, 3311 Reading Rd., Watkins Glen. Burial with full military honors will follow at Union Cemetery of Hector. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glen Baptist Church, 3311 Reading Rd., Watkins Glen, NY 14891, Odessa American Legion Post 676, State Route 228, Odessa, NY 14869, or to the charity of your choice.