Bryce B. Elkins Sr, 76, of rural Columbia City, died at 6:55 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2015, at his home. He had been in failing health.

He was born Jan. 12, 1939, in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Jesse and Mary (Uhrick) Elkins. His formative years were spent in the Arcola area. He attended Arcola High School and graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne.

On Nov. 19, 1955, he was united in marriage to Linda M. Doan. They made their home in the Fort Wayne area. In 1977, they moved to rural Columbia City.

He spent his work career with International Harvester, Fort Wayne, where he worked as a pyrotender. He retired in 1984. He also assisted his sons, with their home construction business. When not working, he loved to cook for his family and go fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Linda; three children: Bryce B. (Patty) Elkins Jr., Columbia City; Doug (Nancy) Elkins, Ely, Minn.; and Michele (Chad) Baxter, Columbia City; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a brother: William (Marilyn) Elkins, Fla.; four sisters: Mary McCoy; Ruth (Butch) Miller; Laneta “Linny” Williams; and Eva Elkins, all of Ohio.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Norman; Roy; and Jesse Elkins; daughters: Teresa Trainer; and Stephanie Elkins; and a grandson: Bryce Elkins III.

The funeral service will be held at noon Friday, June 5, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Visitation is from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Parkview Home Health and Hospice.