Richard “Owen” Elkins, 77, of Elkins Branch Road, died on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Madison Manor Nursing Home after a rapid decline in his health.  He was the son of the late K. C. and Pansy Elkins and was a lifelong resident of Weaverville.  He graduated from Flat Creek High School and served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.  After he returned from Korea, he was employed by Bowman Transportation as a truck driver and later became a deputy with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department.  He attended various law enforcement training schools and later became the Chief of the Traffic Safety Unit.  Owen loved law enforcement and was very dedicated to serving the local community.  He retired in 1992 after a serious heart condition no longer allowed him to work.  He enjoyed life to the fullest with his wife of 30 years, Ruth Guice.  They enjoyed traveling, dancing, and just being together.  She was the light of his world.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Mark O. Elkins of Weaverville; granddaughter, Nicole D. Elkins of Weaverville; great-grandson, K. C. Elkins of Weaverville; sisters:  Doris Elkins Hamlin, Frances Ruth Elkins Owenby and Dorothy Murdock, both of Asheville, and Flora E. Gaddy of Archer, Florida; stepson, Michael G. Sams and his wife, Jean, and their children, Ansley and Courtney.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Glen and Paul Elkins.

Visitation will be at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue, Monday, 6-8 pm. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Elkins/Buckner Cemetery located adjacent to Piney Mountain Baptist Church.  A life-long friend, L. C. Chandler, will officiate.