Jerry Akins

VIENNA, Ill. — Jerry Dale Akins, age 69 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Saturday afternoon, Dec. 31, 2022, at noon at his home.

Jerry was born Aug. 10, 1953, in Marston, Missouri. He was the fourth of eight children born to Dewey Jewel Akins and Mary Lillian (Sexton) Akins.

On Nov. 30, 1974, Jerry was united in marriage to Cathy Poole in Vienna. She survives.

Jerry is also survived by his sons, Jason (his wife Pam) Akins of Indiana and Josh (his wife Jessie) Akins of Vienna; three grandchildren, Amity Knichole Akins, Logan J.D. Akins and Alaina Raye Akins; his siblings, Dewey (his wife Jan) Akins of Decatur, Illinois, Lynn Akins of Sikeston, Missouri, Marlene (her husband Rick) Daubach of Belleville, Illinois, and twin sisters, Annette and Jeanette Akins both of Sikeston; a cousin who Jerry thought of as a brother, Ronnie (his wife Cindy) Akins of New Madrid, Missouri; as well as nieces, nephews, other cousins and relatives and a host of friends.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen Poynor; and a brother,Mark “Sput” Stephen Akins.

Jerry was a 1973 graduate of Vienna High School. Jerry had a love of the land and was an avid outdoorsman. He raised cattle on his farm and was a skilled brick mason. Jerry also worked at the former E.E.I (Electric Energy, Inc.) facility at Joppa. He hired on as a laborer but had a desire to learn to weld. He volunteered his time and spent lunch hours practicing until he was able to successfully pass his certification as a welder. Jerry is remembered for his strong work ethic and sense of determination and for his saying, “work is a man’s best friend.” At the age of 51, Jerry undertook a project to build a log cabin. He spent countless hours tearing down old barns and skillfully and methodically building this cabin during a three-year construction project.

In his youth, Jerry enjoyed squirrel and deer hunting. In later years, though busy with work projects, he would find time to take Jason and Josh hunting.

A service honoring the life of Jerry Dale Akins will be conducted Wednesday, Jan.4, 2023, at noon at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Dewey Jones will officiate.

Burial will be in the Cypress Cemetery.

Visitation will be conducted Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

——

Memorials may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, SW, Lilburn, Georgia 30047 or online at www.lbda.org.