Francis Elden Sill, Jr.

Francis Elden Sill, Jr., (Elden), 73, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, after a courageous battle with cancer at his home surrounded by his family. Elden was born on December 14, 1943 to Francis Elden Sill, Sr. and Betrice (Gaston) Sill in Strong City, Kansas.

Elden is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rilla (Hight) Sill; daughters DeAnn Powell (Terry) and Jennifer Brown (Conley); three granddaughters, Kaitlyn Powell, Aubrey Powell and Madelyn Muhlig; sister Ione LeMay (Ron) and nieces Elaine Appleby and LeAnn Monaghan; and cousins Bev Knopp (Rod) and John Sill (Lisa). Elden was preceded in death by his parents.

Elden served in the Army National Guard from 1961-1965 and the Reserves from 1965-1967. Elden farmed from childhood until 1988, when they sold the farm and moved to the Council Grove City Lake. He owned his own plumbing, heating and electric business for many years and also worked as a civil engineer for the federal government until retiring in 2012. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Council Grove and was instrumental in the building of the church where it is today.

Elden lived his entire life in the Flint Hills and was very proud to have attended all but a couple of years of the Flint Hills Rodeo in Strong City, since the time of his birth. He was an avid reader of western novels and owned the entire Louis L'Amour collection. Elden enjoyed traveling the United States and studying its history. He also enjoyed "snowbirding" in Tucson, Arizona with his wife the last several years. However, there was nothing he loved more than his "girls", Rilla, DeAnn, Jennifer, Kaitlyn, Aubrey and Madelyn; and he spent many hours attending their activities over the years.

A celebration of Elden's life will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. in the fellowship hall at the First Baptist Church in Council Grove. The family suggests casual attire. Desserts will be served in honor of Elden's sweet tooth. Cremation is planned and a private family inurnment will follow later.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Inn in Kansas City, Kansas or Flint Hills Builders of Council Grove, Kansas.