Yesterday was a great day for the Ekins family. Alton's brother, Elmer Holdaway Ekins, received the Melchizedek Priesthood following their block meetings at the LaPoint Ward in LaPoint, Utah. Elmer is 82 years old, and decided he didn't want to leave this earth without receiving his endowments in the Temple. This coming Saturday, November 21, he plans to attend the Provo Temple, with family members, and be sealed to his last two wives, Dorothy and Irene. Elmer is a whole new person. It's exciting to see the change in him. His Ward members love him. All four of his children were there, Ron, Colleen, Kathie and Shelley Kay. Ron ordained him and it was a great blessing he gave to his dad.
About 4 1/2 years ago, a doctor told Elmer he only had about 5 years to live. His heart only works at about 10%. I think that got Elmer thinking he'd better do something about his life. He quit drinking quite a few years ago, so there was nothing holding him back except getting back to church. It was a wonderful thing to see the proceedings, how much he is loved by family and friends. I'm so glad Alton could be a part of the circle. He's 5 years younger than Elmer. I hope he remembers the day.