Elton Weeks

Elton Weeks, 97, passed away Sunday Feb 17, 2008 at his home in Coffeyville. Elton was born on May 29, 1910, near Oswego, Kansas, to George B. and Winona I. Weeks. His grandparents were Wilson and Fannie Weeks. He grew up in Southeast Kansas and spent his Junior and Senior High years in Parsons. He attended Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas University and graduated from Wichita University in business administration and political science. During these years he worked at the YMCA in Parsons and Pittsburg as physical director. While in Wichita he helped organize the Wichita Charity Horse Show where he served as secretary and announcer for 3 years. He was hired by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to promote the American Royal Show. He became the secretary-manager of the Coffeyville Chamber in 1940. During this time he helped change the county fair into an inter state fair, helped secure the Army Air base, helped to bring in the Funk brothers which led to their manufacturing company and organized the celebration for the world premier ofWhen the Daltons Rode. He also promoted the bond issue to build the stadium, lighted track and animal exhibition facilities at the fair grounds. On November 24, 1940, he married Marion Estelle Morgan. They celebrated 65 years of marriage and she preceded him in death. They have one son, GeorgeBud Weeks who, with his wife, Marcia, live in Pittsburg. Elton is also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Frances Pfieffer and Jane Barnard and a brother, John Weeks. In addition to his son, he is survived by a brother, Ralph Weeks of Grove, OK, along with 13 nieces and nephews. During World War II, Elton enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 as a Second Lieutenant with staff intelligence duties. After training in Florida and Texas, he then served in Greenland and Newfoundland achieving rank of Captain, before returning to civilian life in 1946. Using his military experience he was instrumental in securing the Coffeyville air base for a city airport and established an airport flying service. He was involved in the development of the Coffeyville Country Club. Elton joined his father-in-law, Benjamin Morgan in the insurance and real estate business. After a brief relocation to Colorado Springs, working as a realtor, he returned to Coffeyville and in 1957 became the advertising manager of Page Milk Companies. In 1962, his interests returned to horses and in 1966 he bought the land for what became the Country Acres Horse Center. Eltons service to the Arabian community became legendary. He helped start the Kansas Arabian Horse Club in 1964. He established an advertising agency Arabian Services which developed and printed directories, show programs and brochures for the Arabian horse business. He founded theArabian Horse Express magazine. He served on the Board of the International Arabian Horse Association representing Kansas and was a member of the World Arabian Horse Association which led to world travels. With his Amish built spring wagon, he would drive his horses in parades and events such as the Mozart Festival, Inter State Fair and Rodeo Parade and for weddings. In addition to his Arabian activities, Elton served on the board of trustees of the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation, was a member of the Rotary Club, Country Club and Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. The family gives grateful appreciation to his dedicated caregivers. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2008 at the Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave in Coffeyville, Kansas. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home to sign the guest register. The family will greet friends from 6 8 p.m. Memorials may be given to Coffeyville Community College Marion Weeks Scholarship Fund or the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left in care of the funeral home.