Benjamin James Elkin

1930 - 2025

Benjamin James Elkin

May 7, 1930 - July 12, 2025

Fort Myers, Florida - Benjamin J. Elkin, Retired First Security National Bank President, Dies at 95.

Benjamin J. Elkin, former President of First Security National Bank and Trust and lifelong Lexington community leader, passed away peacefully on July 12 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was 95.

Born and raised in Lexington, Ben was the son of Zeke F. Elkin and Rose Moller Elkin. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1952 with a degree in Commerce, he began a 35-year career at First Security National Bank, rising to President before his retirement. He remained deeply connected to his alma mater as a lifetime member of the UK Alumni Association, a UK Fellow, and a proud member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Ben's dedication to Lexington extended far beyond banking. He served as Campaign Chairman of the United Way in 1971, Easter Seal Campaign Chairman for Fayette County in 1968, President of Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass from 1974-75, and Chairman of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 1989. He also served on the Mayor's Advisory Task Force for Growth Planning and the Kentucky Council for Economic Education. His service was recognized with the Optimist Club's Outstanding Citizenship Award in 1989.

He was an active member of the Lexington Rotary Club, serving on its Board and honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1985, he served as President of the Lexington Country Club, where he and the Board proudly left the club debt-free. Ben was also a member of the Thoroughbred Club of America and the Keeneland Club.

Beyond his professional and civic contributions, Ben found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcat fan, golfer and fisherman, often sharing his love of the outdoors with family and friends, especially the Kearney family at Herrington Lake. Ben coached youth basketball at Christ the King in Lexington, mentoring countless young athletes over the years.

Ben served his country with honor in the U.S. Army from 1952-54, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. He was inducted into the Lexington Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was a charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Lexington.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nita Myers Elkin, and is survived by his three children: Kathleen Turner (Jerry) of Fort Myers, Florida; Zach Elkin (Mary) of Vonore, Tennessee; and Julie Young (Bruce) of Windemere, Florida. He was a proud grandfather to Kevin Greenwell (Robyn), Nita Stewart (Noah), Ben Elkin, Chris Elkin (Jessica), Brett Young (Teeci), and Taylor Young (Pinky), and a great-grandfather to Addyson Greenwell, Emersyn Greenwell, Turner Stewart, Fisher Stewart, Pax Stewart, Carter Young, Harley Young, Dax Elkin, Halle Elkin, Parker Young, and Hayden Young. Ben also leaves behind many friends at Cypress Cove where he resided for almost 9 years, especially Fran Bremer.

A funeral mass will be held at St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Fort Myers, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912, or Lexington Catholic High School Athletics, 2250 Clays Mill Rd, Lexington, KY 40503.

Ben Elkin's life was defined by humility, service, and devotion to faith, family, and his beloved Lexington community.