Donald Elkins

Donald "D.J." Elkins, 90, of Aztec, passed away on April 8, 2018. D.J. was born on November 14, 1927 in Bluewater, NM to Tom & Josephine (Tietgen) Elkins.

DJ graduated from Grants High School. He was the owner of DJ Elkins Livestock. DJ was a rancher and trader. He bought sheep, cattle, pinion nuts, wool and mohair from the reservation and western part of New Mexico. He had been a member of the Elks Club for 40 years. His hobby was racing thoroughbred horses. He loved and supported all of his family.

In addition to his parents, Tom & Josephine Elkins, DJ is preceded in death by brothers, Lawrence, Ken, Jack, Keith, Dave and Fred; sisters, Mildred and Hatti; and son, Scott Elkins.

DJ is survived by his loving wife, Gwen; son, Donny (Karla)  Elkins; daughters, Reida (Ron) Baca; step-daughters, Mistie (Doak) Smailer and Melissa (Greg) Orphey; daughter-in-law,Katrina Elkins; brother, Lynn (Buddy) Elkins; grandchildren, Lauren Bruington, ShawnElkins, Brittany Scott, Sandy Baca, Cassi Breener, Kayla Harr, Matt Smailer, Chloe Padkoniak, and Jonathan Elkins; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14 at Sun Ray Park & Casino, with Dick Elkins officiating. Interment/burial will take place 11 a.m. Sunday, April 15 at Elkins Family Cemetery in Prewitt, N.M. Honorary Pallbearers are Tom Gabehart, Bill McConnell, Phil Wiseman, Chuck Shirk, and Howard Lambson.

Memorial contributions/donations may be made to a charity or cause of your choice, or to San Juan College.

Funeral arrangments are with Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W. Apache St; 505-325-2211. Those who wish to express condolences may do so at farmingtonfuneral.com