Adkins, Donald "Don" Elmer 1928-2019

ADKINS, KLUCKING, DEBRUIN

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DONALD “DON” E. ADKINS

BORN: January 20, 1928 ~ Sheldon, Iowa
PASSED AWAY: May 23, 2019 ~ Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Newkirk Reformed Church; Newkirk, Iowa
Rev. Dennis Hietbrink ~ Officiating

Visitation with family present
will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service
on Tuesday, May 28, 2019
at the Newkirk Reformed Church
in Newkirk, Iowa

MUSIC
“No More Night”
Sung by: Ron & Adri Smit
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“When We All Get To Heaven”
“In The Garden”
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
Organist: Marilyn Menning

CASKET BEARERS
Chris Adkins Corey Adkins
Hayden Adkins Brian Schmalbeck
Steve Brick Tyler Halverson

FINAL RESTING PLACE
Newkirk Cemetery
Newkirk, Iowa

Full Military Honors by the; Reuter Post #423 of the American Legion in Hospers, Iowa

After today’s service, relatives and friends are invited
to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.
Donald “Don” Elmer Adkins was born on January 20, 1928 to William H. and Emma P. (Klucking) Adkins. Don went to Sheldon Public School from kindergarten thru high school graduating in 1945. He enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1945 but was not called to duty until January 2, 1946. He served on a ship for most of his tenure during World War II. After his discharge from the service in November of 1947, he enrolled in the Sheldon Jr. College for 2 years. He graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA with a BA and received his Masters Degree from the University of South Dakota. Donald Elmer Adkins was united in marriage to E. Joyce De Bruin on June 2, 1950 at the Hospers Reformed Church in Hospers, IA by Rev. Gerrit Doctor. They were blessed with 2 sons, Paul and Scott. They moved around several times as Don changed teaching jobs. Don’s first teaching assignment was in the Newkirk Consolidated Schools; he then taught in the Terril Community School and the Sutherland Community School. He returned to the Newkirk School as the Elementary Principal for the Floyd Valley Community School District. In 1969, he served as the Superintendent for the Floyd Valley Community School District and remained in that post until his retirement in 1989. After his retirement he did Lay Ministry for several years, which he enjoyed immensely. Don passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon, IA reaching the age of 91 years, 4 months and 3 days.
Don was a member of Newkirk Reformed Church in Newkirk, IA serving as a Sunday school teacher for 22 years, President of the Brotherhood, served as an Elder for several terms, was on the board of the Classis, Inspiration Hills, the church’s development and planning. He was also a member of the Reuter Post #423 of the American Legion of Hospers, IA. Don enjoyed his family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed all of their activities, such as baseball, softball, football basketball, track, wrestling and dance. He believed that the high school athletics were the best, as he attended most of their games and continued attending high school games even after his grandkids were out of school. However, those who knew Don, knew that he was a Chicago Cubs fan for years.
Those who will honor and cherish his memory, are his wife of nearly 69 years, Joyce; a son, Paul (Carol) Adkins of Sioux Center, IA; and a daughter-in-law, Judy Adkins of Sheldon; 6 grandchildren, Chris (Kristen) Adkins, Kari (Brian) Schmalbeck, Corey (Libby) Adkins, Haviland (Steve) Brick, Hilary (Tyler) Halverson and Hayden (Tysa) Adkins; 12 great grandchildren; Tyus, Cade, Tatum, Maci, Avery, Tregger, Traeden, Mariana, Tierney, Keegan, Makinley and Gemma; and other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents, William and Emma Adkins; his in-laws, Ellis and Winnie De Bruin; a son Scott Adkins on March 25, 2019 and 3 brothers and a sister, Bill (Margaret) Adkins, Howard (Mae) Adkins, Margery (Jake) Van Es and Col. Alvin (Jane) Adkins.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall
not want. He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures; He leadeth
me beside still waters. He
restoreth my soul; He leadeth me
in the paths of righteousness for
His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort
me; Thou preparest a table before
me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.
Psalm 23

Source: Eldridge Family and Vander Ploeg Funeral home online obituary.