Elmer Avants

Thomas “Elmer” Avants, age 87, of Fredonia,Kansas died Friday, September 27, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Fredonia. Elmer was born on August 4, 1926 in Vian, Oklahoma the son of Walter and Edith (McCray) Avants. Elmer was a Corporal in the Army and Served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre in WWII. After his time in the military Elmer lived in several different locations and worked at different jobs, but his main job was that of Grocery Store Manager. On May 27, 1993, Elmer married Joan Keitha Starbuck in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The couple then retired to Fredonia 12 years ago. Elmer is survived by his wife Joan of the home, Sons; Bruce Avants and wife Mary Lou of San Antonio, TX., Bradley Avants and wife Rhonda of Thibodaux, LA., Daughter; Peggy Geist of Mustang, OK., Step-daughter; Teresa Avants of Fairfield, VT., Brothers; Walter Avants of Crescent, OK., Leon Avants of Enid, OK., Sisters; Jesse VanZandt of Stillwarter, OK., Leona Fall of Gillette, WY., Ernestine Brown of Mannford, OK., 8 Grandchildren, 12 Great-grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren, brothers and sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, a son; Michael, three sisters; Della Upshaw, Gladys Hicks, and Thelma Sissom, and son-in-law Ed Geist. Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, September 27, 2013 at Highland Cemetery, Pawnee, Oklahoma, with Rev. Ted Avants officiating. Eshelman Memorial Chapel at Highland Cemetery will be open at 11:00 a.m. for family and friends to meet prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Golden Living Center, Activities Fund, 240 N 19th Street, Fredonia, Kansas 66736.