Burman Elkins

Burman Elkins, 86, of Midland, died on Friday, January 11, 2013, in a local hospital. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at Golf Course Road Church of Christ, with Tim Baugh, officiating.Burman grew up in Brownwood before joining the Navy at 17. He helped land the First Marine Division on Iwo-Jima on February 19, 1945, and the Third Marine Division on Okinawa on April 1, 1945. He received the following medals: Iwo Jima Veterans Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.Burman married Chris Rankin on June 8, 1944. She preceded him in death in 1987. He was the manager for Dia-Log Wireline Service Company for many years in Snyder, before starting his own successful company ELKCO Wireline in 1975. He sold to Geosource Wireline in the early 80s, and retired shortly thereafter.He was a Master Mason of Snyder Masonic Lodge and served as the Worshipful Master in 1975. He was also active in the AIME for several years, as well as assisting with the Boy Scouts of America. He has been a resident of Midland since 1987.He is survived by Connie Elkins, whom he married on June 18, 2003. She enhanced his final years and they enjoyed many travels and activities as well as their blended families. He was a member of the Golf Course Road Church of Christ. For the last few years, Burman and Connie participated in the AACA West Texas Region Classic Memories Car Club.Our husband, brother, father, and grandfather was a wonderful person with an easy way, quick wit, and strong work ethic. We love you and will miss you dearly, Pop!Survivors include his wife; his children, Richard Elkins and wife Ce of Odessa, Michael Elkins and wife Phyllis of Snyder, his daughter and son, Tyra Hedges and husband John of Calgary, Canada, Adrienne Smith and husband Todd of Frisco; his grandchildren, Traci Miller, Brandy Chandler and husband Eric, Traci Simpson, Shelby Padilla and husband Gil, Haley Elkins and husband Luke, Ashley Redwine, Saige Smith, and Cy Smith; one brother, Cecil Elkins and wife Jewel of Brownwood; and one sister, Sandra Looper of Odessa.Burman was also preceded in death by his parents, Bennie & Iva Elkins; his sister and brother-in-law, Bennie Jean & H.O. Wilson; and a brother-in-law, Pat Looper.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,