Don McElvany

Apr. 6, 1930 - Apr. 20, 2017

87, life-long Imperial Valley resident

Don McElvany, a lifetime resident of Imperial Valley, passed away on April 20, 2017 with his wife and three children at his bedside.

He was born April 6, 1930 in El Centro, attended Central Union High School and graduated from the Army Navy Academy, Carlsbad, CA in 1949. Don married his high school sweetheart Patsy Brown. They were married for 66 years.

After graduating, Don served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Furstenfeldbruck AFB, Germany. After his service, he returned to the valley to join his father, J.L. McElvany, in the family tile drainage business. Following his work with his father, he began working with the Imperial County retiring from the county as a Deputy Agricultural Biologist.

He has been a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church. His community affiliations include Kiwanis, Toastmasters and E Clampus Vitas. In recent years, he worked diligently with The Gideons International distributing Bibles throughout the valley. Don enjoyed camping, car trips, photography and treasured his massive collection of books.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia McElvany; son, Gregory McElvany; daughters, Sandra Moore and Susan Bliss; five grandchildren, seven great-grandschildren and his brother, Ike.

Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 301 Main St., Brawley, CA on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Gideons International at gideons.org.