WEST WINFIELD - Lincoln G. Elderkin, age 89, of South Street, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, Dec. 19, 2011, in Saint Joseph's Nursing Home, Utica. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side.He was born on Feb. 12, 1922, in Otego, son of the late Willard and Minnie Lent Elderkin. Lincoln was raised and educated in Otego.An honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran, he served proudly during World War II.On Oct. 24, 1942, he was united in marriage with the former Mary Virginia Sarafin in Brooklyn. They shared a loving and devoted union of nearly 60 years until her passing on Sept. 29, 2002.Mr. Elderkin and his family lived in New York Mills until 1974, when they moved to Richfield Springs. He at one time worked at driving a motor coach in New York City, when he moved to this area he worked for Kelsey-Hayes Manufacturing in Whitesboro, drove school bus for the Whitesboro School System and in more recent years was a delivery route man for The Daily Star. During most of those years he also worked as a self-employed carpenter. He retired in 2005.Lincoln had a strong faith in God and led a devoted Catholic life. He was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Church, Richfield Springs. He was also a member of Richfield Springs American Legion Post No. 616.Mr. Elderkin will always be remembered as a sincere and caring gentleman with a warm smile. He loved his family and was always there for them whether in good times or bad. He will be greatly missed.Surviving are two sons and their wives, William Barry and Sumira Elderkin of Frankfurt, Germany, and Bruce and Mary Elderkin of New Hartford; one daughter, Mary Lou Smith and her husband, Gary of Warren; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, in Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Richfield Springs. The Rev. Terence Healy, pastor will officiate.Interment with military honors will take place in Saint Joseph's Cemetery in the spring at a time to be announced.Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.