Richard Akins
March 1, 1936 — July 3, 2023
Richard “Dick” Akins, 87 of Stratford died Monday, July 3, 2023 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Stratford Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at McGuire Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with the services.
Richard Cornelius Akins, son of Marlin “Red” and Vera Mae (Bieries) Akins, was born March 1, 1936 in Eagle Grove. He attended school in Missouri. On October 19, 1957, Dick was united in marriage to Sharon Donley in Joliet, IL. To this union a son was born, the couple later divorced. On October 7, 1978, Dick married Mary F. Gross in Eagle Grove. He worked for many years at Caterpillar in Joliet, IL before retiring. He enjoyed racing sprint cars, midgets, stock cars, camping and salvaging many things over the years.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary of Stratford; grandchildren, Sarah Akins of Verona Ill. and Richard “Richie” Akins Jr. of Morris Illinois; great-grandchildren, Kat-Lyn Akins, Alexis Miller; great-great grandson, Xavier Miller; brother, Francis (Martha) Akins of Olathe, KS; brothers-in-law, Ed Lawson, Tom Marco, Don Hilz and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Dick is preceded in death by his son, Richard Allen Akins; his parents; siblings, Rita (Don) Wilson, Betty Lawson, Raymond Akins, Judy Marco, Robert Dean Akins, Mikel Akins, Billy Akins and Patricia “Patty” Hilz.
Richard Cornelius Akins, son of Marlin “Red” and Vera Mae (Bieries) Akins, was born March 1, 1936 in Eagle Grove. He attended school in Missouri. On October 19, 1957, Dick was united in marriage to Sharon Donley in Joliet, IL. To this union a son was born, the couple later divorced. On October 7, 1978, Dick married Mary F. Gross in Eagle Grove. He worked for many years at Caterpillar in Joliet, IL before retiring. He enjoyed racing sprint cars, midgets, stock cars, camping and salvaging many things over the years.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary of Stratford; grandchildren, Sarah Akins of Verona Ill. and Richard “Richie” Akins Jr. of Morris Illinois; great-grandchildren, Kat-Lyn Akins, Alexis Miller; great-great grandson, Xavier Miller; brother, Francis (Martha) Akins of Olathe, KS; brothers-in-law, Ed Lawson, Tom Marco, Don Hilz and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Dick is preceded in death by his son, Richard Allen Akins; his parents; siblings, Rita (Don) Wilson, Betty Lawson, Raymond Akins, Judy Marco, Robert Dean Akins, Mikel Akins, Billy Akins and Patricia “Patty” Hilz.
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