Donald R. Elkins, I, 86, of Holyoke, MA, formerly of Mystic, CT, died June 29, 2020, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, with his family by his side after a brief
illness.
He was born on July 31, 1933, in Anna, IL, to the late James and Dovie Merriman Elkins. He attended Anna-Jonesboro High School where he excelled in both baseball and football. Following
graduation in 1952, he joined the United States Navy. While stationed at the US Submarine Base in New London, he met and married the former Sylvia Gerrish on July 3, 1954. She predeceased
him on July 4, 2013.
Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Navy, Don and his wife settled in Mystic, CT, where they raised their three children. Don, at this time, embarked on a 40 year career
at Electric Boat with the Acoustics Department, retiring as a supervisor.
Don was one of the founding members (1959) of the Eastern CT Beagle Club as well as the Groton 16 to 18 year old Baseball League and served as President of the Babe Ruth League from 1974
to 1976 and the Mystic Little League as well. He was a manager in the Mysic Little League, Mystic Babe Ruth League and the Groton 16-18 Baseball League. Don was a proud member of the
Groton Elks Lodge and the Masonic Asylum Lodge of Stonington. He was a long-standing member of the First United Methodist Church in Mystic, CT. He was, at the time of his death, also a
member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Holyoke, MA.
On April 16, 2017, Don married Doris Theroux of Holyoke, MA. During the course of their marriage, Don and Doris enjoyed traveling to Pennsylvania and Illinois, attending dog shows, and
spending quality time with family. She survives him.
Donald will be sadly missed by his wife, his three children James Elkins (Diane), John Elkins, and Kelley Elkins Osborn (Daniel), his two stepsons, James Theroux and Thomas Theroux, seven
grandchildren, Donald II, Lisa, Ashley, Elizabeth, Daniel, John, Spencer, and two step-granchildren, Ambre, and Joseph as well as four great grand-children, Alex, Ethan, Jacob, and Adelyn.
He also leaves behind his cherished extended family, Marian Connolly, Lawrence and Barbara Gerrish, and Rebecca Gerrish in addition to many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his siblings, Lillie, James, Ralph, Virginia, Mildred, and John.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 23 Willow St., Mystic, CT, 06355, or St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave., in Holyoke, MA, 01040.w.
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