Rick D. Elkins

Rick D. Elkins, age 55 of Barberton, Ohio, died suddenly on October 22, 2021.

He was born on March 23, 1966 in Akron, the son of Donald L. "Don" (Patricia) Elkins and Georgia L. Cope, all of Akron.

Rick was an honorably discharged US Navy veteran serving during peacetime. Rick served on and re-commissioned the USS Missouri (BB-63).

Rick was a 1984 graduate of Green High School and the Portage Lakes Joint Vocational Center. Rick was also a Scout Master for Troop 101 of the Great Trail Council for many years. Rick was the senior driver and boom truck operator for Republic Services for 26 years. Rick was one person who would never put himself in front of another; from shoveling great-uncle's snow to re-shingling a house to building a deck to just having a listening ear. He had a love of hunting and fishing and being in the great-outdoors. He was there for everyone, Rick was the glue that held his family together and was well loved and respected by many from Ohio to Tennessee.

In addition to his parents, Rick is survived by his long time companion of 23 years, Kathie Marlene Thornton; his children, Rick D. (Krystle) Elkins Jr, Joseph Cord Long, Jesse Dean Elkins, Lisa Thornton, Sara (Nunzio Hayslip) Thornton and April Thornton; and 10 grandchildren.

His siblings also survive, Michael (Michelle) Adams, Kim (Jack) Wahl, David (Ronda) Adams, Scot (Gina) Elkins, Rhonda Elkins and Teri Elkins; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 444305, where Minister Craig Cope will celebrate Rick's life.

Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Legion Post #566, in which he was a member.