Preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Vina Elkins; and 5 siblings. Survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret "Peggy" Elkins; children, LeAnne (Darryl) Rice, Sharon (Brad) Padgett and Greg Elkins; 7 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, many friends and neighbors who loved him.
Dean proudly served in the United States Air Force and even mailed Peggy's engagement ring to her while he was in England. He was a retired Wichita Firefighter after 21 years of service. His next adventure was as a security guard at Wesley Medical Center where he worked for 17 years. He then volunteered alongside his wife Peggy at Wesley until the age of 85. Dean had a strong faith and loved his church family. He served as a Deacon and then as an Elder at St. Luke Presbyterian Church. For the past several years he attended First Wesleyan Church.
He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed golf and archery with trophies to show for it. Dean was a loving husband and devoted family man. He loved to spend time with his kids, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
A come and go visitation will be available from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, May 22, 2023. Funeral Service for Cleon will be held 10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, both at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, KS 67206.
Memorial contributions in Cleon's memory can be made to Kansas Firefighters Museum, 1300 S. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67211 And/Or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
