OBITUARY
Elmer Danfurd Fairbank, was born April 13, 1921 at Brownell. He married Velma Willour July 23, 1941 at Grantville, KS. He lived at Garden City, Hays, Boise, ID and Ransom where he died Saturday, November 15, 1997. After Elmer’s birth in Brownell it is uncertain when they moved to Ransom but, reportedly they had to move after he was caught sleepwalking down main street.Elmer attended Ransom High School. He told many stories to his children about things he and his friends did during their youth. It is a wonder he survived his high school days! Sports were very important to Elmer. He was an “All State End” in football, excellent in basketball and one of the best third (3rd) basemen in the area in baseball. Many of you remember his accomplishments. Elmer held his baseball memories very dear. In fact, he scheduled his pace-maker surgery around a special reunion with his baseball buddies and his grandson’s baseball games. Elmer coached the Hays Larks and Brownell Legion baseball team. He also played for and against the area’s best town teams. For 37 years, Elmer ran the Ransom junior and senior high school clock. In his official capacity he supported one brother, three sons and one grandson. In 1995 he received special recognition for his volunteer service to the Ransom school system. Elmer spent two years in the Army during WWII. Upon his discharge he joined The Veterans of Foreign Wars. Among his many awards in 1995 he was honored with the “Elmer Jenkins” award, one of the highest awards in the State of Kansas VFW organization. If you went places with Elmer you could count on somebody from his past coming up to say “hi”. He was a lover of people and loved by many. Elmer’s love was unconditional. He was always there for his family and though in serious times he was a man of few words, they knew that he supported them. Elmer was also known as the Constable Andy Griffith of Ransom. His best friend and wife of 56 and 1/2 years, Velma preceded him in death. Their family includes three sons, three daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Much of their time was spent enjoying family activities.After retiring as Superintendent for the city of Ransom, Elmer and Velma hit the highways and byways of America. They had several traveling companions but probably the most frequent were Oliver and Jennie Tillitson. There are stories to be told about their many, many, gambling trips!Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Elmo, Chief, Smokey, Elm will be missed. He lived a rich and full life and will be fondly remembered for his friendship and unending live. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, November 19, 1997, at the United Methodist Church, Ransom, officiated by Rev. Wayne Stephens, Pastor. Burial was in the Ransom Cemetery.

Ness Co. News, Nov. 27, 1997