Thomas Donald Adkins

ADKINS, WALL, ANTLE, COX

Posted By: Dotty Cox Woodruff (email)
Date: 1/5/2009 at 23:01:07

(Taken from Marshalltown, Iowa paper August 19, 2007.)

Thomas Adkins, 80

Thomas Adkins, 80, of 412 North Second Ave., Marshalltown, died August 15, 2007, at his home while in the care of his loving family and Iowa River Hospice.

Funeral services and a celebration of his life were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, with Bobby Shomo, chaplain of Iowa River Hospice officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens at a later date, with full military honors. Visitation was Friday evening at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, with his family present at that time. For condolences, visit www.mitchellfh.com Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Tom and his family.

Born on May 29, 1927, at home in Marshall County, Iowa, he was the son of James and Clara (Ralls) Adkins. He graduated with Newburg High School’s Class of 1945 and served our country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951-1952. On June 24, 1954, at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, he was united in marriage to Patricia Jones. They made their home in the Ferguson area, Laurel, Ankeny for 10 years and Marshalltown since Jan. 1, 1991. Mr. Adkins was employed at Conoco until 1959, farmed at Laurel from 1959-1965, Marshalltown High School until 1972, and E and H Service in Gilman until 1997.

Tom was a legion member and a member of the Men’s Bowling League at Totem Bowl and Senior Bowling. He was a former member of the Newburg American Legion. He enjoyed old cars, golfing, the Chicago Cubs and will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, love of grandchildren and an easily achievable smile.

Left to mourn his loss are his loving wife of 53 years, Pat; his children Maren (Jamie) Shively, Cindy Adkins and Jennifer Adkins; his grandchildren Willie Zeran, Bobbi Jo Kurth, Chance Adkins, Randi Adkins, J.T. Shively, Kaycee Plain, Brandi Shively and Abagale Adkins; 10 great-grandchildren; his sisters Mary Elsberry and Joann Wall of Marshalltown; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

In death he has rejoined his parents; his son Richard “Doc” Adkins; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters.