Johnnie L. McElwain

Johnnie L. McElwain, 72, of Elk City, Kansas, entered into rest on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory followed by cremation. The family will greet friends on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Louisburg Township Rural Fire Department and may be left with the chapel.

John was born on September 28, 1953, in Independence, Kansas, to John Delbert and Wanda America (Foster) McElwain. He attended and graduated from Longton High School in 1971 in Longton, Kansas. Following his education, John moved to Wyoming where he worked as a crane operator, truck driver, and heavy equipment operator. During his time in Wyoming, he proudly earned his pilot’s license.

John married Wonieta Thompson on May 28, 1982. Throughout the years, the couple made their home in Elk City, Kansas; Cleveland, Missouri; and Kansas City before returning to Elk City in 1995. They later divorced in 2020. On June 4, 2002, John married Hollie Welch. The couple lived in Olathe, Kansas until John’s retirement in 2004, when they returned to Elk City to enjoy a quieter life together.

John found great joy in attending his grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. He enjoyed long country drives, fishing, and spending time outdoors working in his yard on his tractor. Time with family was always what meant the most to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jimmie Lynn McElwain; and three sisters, Jannett Imler, Twyla McElwain, and Marie McElwain.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Holly McElwain of the home; one son, Johnnie (Amber) McElwain of Elk City, Kansas; one daughter, Mandi (Josh) Johnson of Elk City, Kansas; two step-sons, Earnest Huffard and Kenneth Huffard, both of Elk City, Kansas; three step-daughters, Jennifer (John) Robinson of Toronto, Kansas; Jessica (Steven) Robinson of Ketchum, Oklahoma; and Amanda (Joshua) Long of Havana, Kansas; three sisters, Glenda Jean McLaughlin of Temecula, California; Genneth Moon of Topeka, Kansas; and Judy Skipper of Whitesburg, Georgia; five grandchildren, Ashton Oliver, Addison (Sidney) Simmons, Hayden Simmons, Joshlynn Johnson, and Journey Johnson; along with numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Three great-grandchildren, Brittyn, Sable Oliver and Rylen Simmons. And numerous nieces and nephews To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.