Stillman Deral Elkins

Stillman Deral Elkins, 80, of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024. He was born on August 2, 1944, in Hamilton, Texas, to Coleman Franklin Elkins and Hattie Bea (Partin) Elkins.

Deral graduated from Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth before proudly enlisting in the United States Army, where he served his country in Friedberg, Germany. After completing his service, he joined General Motors, where he enjoyed a long and fulfilling career. Deral briefly stepped away from General Motors to serve as a firefighter for the Arlington Fore Department and later the Fire Marshal at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, showcasing his commitment to safety and service.

After returning to General Motors, Deral stepped away again to open a paint and body shop in Joshua, Texas. He later returned to General Motors, ultimately retiring as a Safety Instructor. After retirement, Deral shared his expertise as a paint and body instructor at Tarrant County Community College, where he forged many lasting relationships with his students and teachers.

Throughout his life, Deral exemplified strength and resilience, especially during his cancer treatments. His unwavering faith in Jesus and positive outlook served as an inspiration to those around him.

Deral is survived by his loving family and a community of friends, students and teachers who will remember him for his kindness, humor, and dedication. He always made everyone feel welcome and loved, in every situation. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 1, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a cancer research charity of your choice, honoring Deral's brave battle and legacy.

He is survived by: Daughter, Angela Elkins; sister, Sandra Penney; brother-in-law, David Penney; nieces and nephews, Audrey, Kristie, Jason, Kevin, Chad, Bryan, Jeff and Zina; ex-wife, Rhonda Elkins; and many cousins. Many, many cousins. Deral has a lot of cousins!

He is preceded in death by: Son, Deral Bradley Elkins; brother, Coleman David Elkins; mother, Hattie Bea Elkins; and father, Coleman Franklin Elkins.