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Joseph Charles Elkins

Joseph Charles Elkins

March 1, 1928 – September 26, 2024

Joseph Charles Elkins, 96, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at The Oaks, Lebanon. Joe was born on March 1, 1928, in Lebanon, to Harry and Mabel Elkins. Joe was the great grandson of Oregon Pioneer Luther Elkins, first President of the Oregon Senate, 1859-1860. Joe was proud of his pioneer heritage being a lifelong resident of the Lebanon/Sweet Home area.

Joe grew up on the family farm and was a talented athlete, participating in multiple varsity sports at Lebanon High School, graduating in 1946. Upon graduation from high school he immediately enlisted in the US Army, discharged in 1947 with a rank of Sergeant, then enrolling at the University of Oregon in 1948. Joe was active in ROTC and played baseball for the University of Oregon, graduating in 1952 with a business degree. From 1951-1953 Joe was again called to duty with the US Army serving as a 1st Lt.

He loved the outdoors, as an avid hunter, fly fisherman, and skier. Joe was a lifetime Select Master Mason of +74years with the Cryptic Masons of Oregon, an active member of the American Legion for +70 years, lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, among the other various professional organizations.

After his college and military service, Joe was a professional logger, concluding his working career with Crown Zellerbach/Georgia Pacific of 26 years, 1962-1988, in business operations as an accountant.

In 1953, Joe married Gloria Alice Barry, a guidance counselor and teacher at Sweet Home high school. They had two sons, Craig and Barry. Joe and Gloria both retired early in life and spent the next 20 plus years extensively traveling the world, while tending to their beloved farm and animals between adventures.

Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mabel Elkins, his wife Gloria of 60 years, and Grandson Taylor Forrest Elkins.

He is survived by his sons, Barry Elkins and wife Kathy of Mt. View CA, Craig Elkins and wife Cindy of Anchorage, Alaska, along with four grandchildren, Kristi Cooper (Kendall), Tom Elkins, Brendan Elkins (Kelsey), Katie McGinnis(Logan) and four great-grandchildren, Cameron and Jackson Cooper, and Melanie and Addison Elkins.

Those of you who knew Joe understood he lived life proudly and on his own terms. A private family memorial will be planned for a later date, perhaps at his secret fishing hole.

In lieu of flowers and if desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2393 ‘W’ Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705. (WFFoundation.ORG) Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon. www.hustonjost.com

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