Richard D. "Dick" Elston, 81, Hays, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at Hays Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 6, 1931, in Kirksville, Mo., to Lester and Lois (Harris) Elston.

He married Norvella Deaver on Dec. 19, 1954, in Fowler.

He and his wife moved to Hays in 1957 while he was working for Welex, later Halliburton Oil. He also worked for Linenberger Construction before opening No Pest Inc. in 1984.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of North Oak Community Church and Fowler American Legion. He was a past 4-H leader, a member of the Kansas Pest Association and the National Pest Association.

Survivors include his wife, Norvella, of the home in Hays; a daughter, Deana Rupp and husband, Kim, Hays; grandchildren, Taryn and Bryson Rupp, Hays; and two sisters, Berniece Smith, Kirksville, and Lucille Doyle, Benedict.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Orville, Don and Walter Elston; and a sister, Mildren Mitten.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at North Oak Community Church, Hays, with military honors following by Hays American Legion.

Friends can call from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until time of service Friday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to North Oak Community Church, Thomas More Society or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of the funeral home.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.