Virgil M. Elliott, a former Federal Way and Kent resident, died May 7 at American Lake Veterans Hospice in Tacoma. He was 79.

Born Nov. 3, 1925 in Kossuth, Miss., he grew up in Colorado City, Texas. In 1942, he joined the Navy and served aboard a minesweeper.

He worked as a produce manager, achieving national honors for produce displays.

He raised his family in Federal Way.

After retiring, he moved to Gresham, Ore. He was a member of the Sandy, Ore. VFW Post 4273.

Survivors include his children, Lynn Carrigan, Wayne Elliott and Brad Elliott of Federal Way, Pat Quinn of Auburn, Anieta Reust of Lakewood, Jeanne Voss of Denver, Colo., Dan Elliott of Detroit, Mich., and Mike Elliott of Australia; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Reed, and sister, Sue Hogue.

Interment will be at 11 a.m. May 27 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

The family suggests that remembrances be made to the American Lake Veterans Hospice in Tacoma.