August 14, 1932 – February 22, 2026
John J. Elkins, 93, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026.
He was born on August 14, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late John Elkins and Nora (Taylor) Elkins. John proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. His military service was a source of great pride, and he carried the values of honor, discipline, and dedication with him throughout his life.
After returning home, John devoted more than 30 years of faithful service to General Motors, where he worked oiling machines. He was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and quiet determination. John took pride in providing for his family and in a job well done.
A devoted member of Shelbyville Road Church of Christ, John was faithfully involved through regular attendance and steady commitment. His presence reflected the sincerity of his Christian faith. John found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved mowing his grass and took special pride in keeping his yard neat and well cared for. Gardening was another passion, particularly growing hot peppers, which he delighted in sharing — and sometimes playfully feeding — to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed listening to country music and, in his younger years, fishing.
John leaves behind to treasure his memory his children, Rita Fodrell, Cathy Craig, Gary Fox, Kevin (Lola) Elkins, and Shawn (Georgia) Elkins; more than twenty grandchildren; more than twenty great-grandchildren; and two siblings.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma Elkins; his second wife, Martha Louise “Sparkie” Elkins; two children, Gene Fox and Sharon Baldwin; his parents; and eight siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18 th Street, Bedford, IN. Burial will follow in Pinhook Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, also at Ferguson-Lee Chapel. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor his memory, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis.
The family kindly requests that donations be made in John’s memory to The Gathering Together Hospice House, 6446 S. County Road 675 E., Plainfield, Indiana 46168.
The family is deeply grateful for the excellent and compassionate care they provided for John during his final days. John will be remembered as a man of humility, faith, and steady devotion — to his country, his work, his church, and most especially his family. His legacy of quiet strength and enduring love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.
Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
