AKIN, Philip Dean 1937-2017

AKIN, STARK, WILSON, CHRISTENSEN

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 5/28/2017 at 18:18:01

Philip Dean Akin, 79, of Waterloo, Iowa, died Sunday, March 12, at home after battling the terminal illness ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) for 7.5 years.

Phil was born on July 5, 1937, in Grundy Center, Iowa. He was the son of Ethan Ole Akin and Grace Wilson Stark Akin. On October 13, 1956, he was united in marriage to Eileen Claudia Christensen.

Phil spent most of his early years in Waterloo. He attended Whittier Elementary, West Jr. High and graduated from Orange Township High School in 1955. He also schooled at Drake University, Iowa State Teachers College, Gates Business School, Hawkeye Institute of Technology and University of Okoboji.

For 33 years, Phil worked at and eventually owned Canteen Vending Service in Waterloo. Phil owned and operated the Dud’s `n Suds Laundromat in Cedar Falls for 10 years. While operating the laundry, he also worked for the Duds `n Suds Corporation in Des Moines. For 2 years he installed car washes throughout Iowa for Don Haven’s Hydro-Spray Car Wash Company in Cedar Falls. Phil was a car salesman for Jerry Roling Motors in Waverly for two years.

He worked for Friendship Village in Waterloo for 11 years. Phil served in the National Guard for 11 years. He was also involved in Future Farmers of America, Elk’s Club, Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis and St. Ansgar Lutheran Church Council. He was a Boy Scout Leader and he loved playing cards with his 500 Club.

Phil was an inspiration to all who met him. His attitude and positivity in life was immense. He was so creative, and his sense of humor kept people laughing and smiling. His dedication and loyalty in all of his work was so genuine. He was a loving caregiver to his wife and his mother. He was an artist, an author and a jingle writer. He loved playing golf, fishing and politics. He loved this country. Phil loved spending time with his family and friends and especially his dog Boots.

Survived by: a son, Philip G. (Ruth) Akin; a daughter, Lisa A (Tim) Wilson; five grandchildren, Ethan, Sarah and Wesley Akin, and Brooke and Ashley Wilson; a brother Tom (Mary) Akin; a sister Marilyn Orth; a sister Kathie Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Eileen Claudia Akin; and a grandson, Jason Akin.

Memorials in lieu of flowers: may be directed to the ALS Association, Iowa Chapter, in Philip D. Akin’s memory, 3636 Westown Parkway, Suite 204, West Des Moines, IA 50266, or directed to St. Ansgar Lutheran Church.

Source: Parrott and Wood Funeral Home website