Ira Dean Elkins, 92, formerly of Henderson, Kentucky, died on Sunday, September 17, 2017.

Dean was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 21, 1925.  He had been living in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, in his own home and with his best friend, Portia (his dog).

Dean was a graduate of The University of Tulsa, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Chemistry.  He also received the degree of Master of Science from the University of Oklahoma in 1950, of which he was very proud.  After two years of military service during the Korean War, he worked for several years as a chemist and was granted several patents.  Dean and his wife, Ellen, were married in 1955 and enjoyed many years together until her death in 2004.  Dean taught chemistry at the Henderson Community College from 1963 until his retirement in 1987.  He was very proud of his students and their accomplishments.  During his tenure at the college, he held a "Beethoven's Birthday Party" each year by playing works of the composer for enthusiast students and faculty.

Dean was also a Kentucky Colonel.  He was a member of the American Chemical Society for more than 70 years and the American Radio Relay League.  As a radio amateur, he earned a number of awards and enjoyed the hobby until his death.  He enjoyed traveling throughout 43 of the 50 US states with Ellen and fondly remembered the trip he took to England, Belgium, France, and Germany—where he visited Beethoven's home.  He was also a member of a number of organizations dedicated to preserving wildlife and the National Parks and animal welfare.  He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.  If there was one last thing he would like to say, it would be a joking reminder for the day to "Learn Something"!

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Schaaf and her husband, Ray, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky; his granddaughter; Sarah Schaaf, who he adored; his sister, Shirley Elkins of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Portia.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home in Henderson, Kentucky.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

Dean would be most pleased if donations were sent to the National Park Foundation or the FUEM (Friends of UE Music, University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana).