Elkins, Roy 1933-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Roy Elkins, 92, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. He was born Jan. 13, 1933, in St. Joseph, to Everett and Gladys Elkins. Roy grew up in St. Joseph, graduating from Lafayette High School in 1951.

Roy attended St. Joseph Junior College, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he served for 10 years.

On Sept. 16, 1955, Roy was united in marriage to Kitty Ernst. They shared 56 years together until she preceded him in death on Sept. 13, 2011.

Roy was a traffic studies engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation for 40 years.

He loved the outdoors and nature, a love kindled by service in the Boys Scouts, where he was an assistant troop leader and the first Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Roy enjoyed canoeing, kayaking, caving and hiking. He was up for any outdoor activity.

Roy loved the Lord and served Him in his founding membership of Living Hope Church, where he served as an elder and small-group leader. Roy and Kitty also opened the Christian Catacombs Coffeehouse in the 1970s. He was always a consistent Christ-like model for those of us in the 70s and 80s at the catacombs.

Roy has continued to have that same influence on so many throughout his life. So many people have been blessed by Roy’s spiritual fatherhood. What a tremendous man of God, with a tremendous spiritual heritage.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty; his parents; grandchild, Abiane Marks; and sister, Ruthanne Walker.

Survivors include his children, Stephanie Stanley (Tommy), Brenda Marks (Steve), and Kelly Jarrett (Mike Attebury); grandchildren, Sarah Worstell (Jon), Elizabeth Andrews (John), Destiny Bushway (Andrew), Elijah Stanley (Anna), Stephen Marks (Marissa), Austin Marks, Parker Marks (Abi), McKenzie Sandusky (Mike), Channing Marks, Grace Sovereign (Isaiah), Silas Marks (Atley), MerriAnna Marks, Michael Marks, and Franklin Roy Jarrett (Grace); 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild with another on the way; several nieces and nephews, many friends and church family.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Living Hope Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, Living Hope Church. The family suggests memorial contributions to Living Hope Church.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.