A.J. Akins

Achel James “A.J.” Akins, of Harrisonville, Missouri was born August 9, 1923 near Humansville, Missouri the son of Charles Thomas and Minnie Matilda (Earnest) Akins. He departed this life on Monday, October 14, 2013 at the Crown Care Center, Harrisonville surrounded by loved ones and immersed in the love of the Lord at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 5 days.
On November 20, 1944, A.J. was united in marriage to Mary Leona Cathey in Mound City, Kansas.
A.J. was employed as a mechanic, a paving machine operator for road construction and civil service for Richards Gebauer until it closed in 1979 and transferred to Ft. Leonard Wood until his retirement in 1986. He was an Army veteran serving in Germany at the Battle of the Bulge and Bridge at Remagen. A.J. became a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church, Harrisonville in 1972 where he served as a Deacon, usher and with the Bus Ministry. AJ loved the Lord and was always ready to share his faith. He was ready to meet Jesus and was very confident of his place in Heaven.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Shannon Rae Welsh; brothers, Homer, Ralph, Roy, Gearl, Charles Junior Akins; sisters, Opal Smith, Pearl Bates, Marie Nafus and Bonnie Gregg; an infant sister and brother, Beulah and Loyd Akins.
A.J. is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary L. Akins of the home; Judy K. Welsh and Janice L. Street, both of Harrisonville, Missouri and Jessica A. Vinzant, Olathe, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, David, Angela, Jason, Eryn and Jared; 6 great-grandchildren; a sister, Faye Gibb, Blue Springs, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri with burial in the Dayton Cemetery near Garden City, Missouri.
Family received friends Friday, October 18, 2013 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.