Edward Layton “Mac” McElhaney Sr. passed away at the age of 78 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Ed lost his battle with COVID on October 24, 2020.
Ed was a longtime resident of Quinter, Kansas. He was born on October 10, 1942, in Buckeye, Arizona. He graduated from Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Ed went on to join the Air Force in 1962.
Ed was united in marriage to Ruth Russell McElhaney on October 17, 1963, they were married for 57 years. Ed absolutely adored his wife and loved her so much. They raised three children, Edward, Jr., Tracey and Ivy. He retired from the Air Force in 1984. Ed and Ruth lived all over the United States along with Germany and England while in the Air Force. After retirement, he went to work for the Bureau of Science and Technology in Boulder, Colorado. Ed and Ruth lived in Colorado until 1994, when they moved to Kansas.
Ed enjoyed fishing, camping, watching grandkids play sports and just overall spending time with his family. He loved his grandchildren and was so excited to celebrate every accomplishment with them. He was actively involved in the Gove Community Bible Church. Ed loved Christ and would share the word of God with everyone he came in contact with. His goal was to get as many people to Heaven as he possibly could.
Ed is survived by his loving wife; children Edward L. McElhaney, Jr (Carolyn) of Hays, Tracey Bansemer of Quinter, and Ivy Charles of Quinter; grandchildren Christina Ramirez (Jacob) of Quinter, Dawn Seymour of Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Andrea Charles, Tanner Charles, and Preston Hashenberger of Quinter; great-grandchildren Breanna Seymour and Isabella Ramirez of Quinter; brother Martin McElhaney (Betty) of Phoenix, AZ; sister Martha Russell of Quinter; as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Rozie McElhaney and his loving granddaughter Samantha Roze Charles.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday October 30, 2020, at Gove Community Bible Church with Chris Thomas officiating. Burial will take place at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Gove County Ministerial Alliance or Gove County Food Pantry. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St. Quinter, KS 67752. Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com