Richard W. Adkins (2016)

ADKINS, FRANKLIN, MENDENHALL, VANDERHEIDEN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 9/16/2020 at 09:45:04

Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Iowa
November, 2016

Richard W. Adkins ("Dick"), 81, of Dexter passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, November 17th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Dexter. A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 18th at the Bear Creek Friends Church, rural Earlham. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dexter Library, and may be sent in care of Johnson Family Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Stuart, IA 50250. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Dick was born on October 10, 1935 to James C. and Antoinette (Franklin) Adkins in Dexter, Iowa. He grew up in Dexter and graduated from Dexter High School. He graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Business Administration. Dick married the love of his life, Linda Mendenhall on March 16, 1975. They were blessed with one son, Ben.

Dick spent many years working at his family's business, Adkins Cash Food Store in Dexter. He also owned and operated a TV shop and laundromat and lastly served as Dexter City Clerk. Dick was elected to the Dexter City Council. He was a member of the Lions Club, Dexter Library Board, Boy Scout Master and served as a Sunday School teacher. In his spare time he enjoyed music, hiking, doing crossword puzzles, and studying history.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Linda; brother and sister-in-law, James F. and Margaret Adkins; and nephew, Kurt Adkins.

He leaves behind his son, Ben (Amy) Adkins of West Des Moines; grandchildren Avery and Charlie Adkins of West Des Moines; mother-in-law, Martha Mendenhall of Dexter; sister-in-law, Karen Mendenhall of Dexter; nephews, Mike Adkins and Chris (Jerri) Adkins of Dexter; niece, Ann (Chuck) Vanderheiden of Dexter; and a host of other family and friends that will miss him dearly.