Joe F. Akins Obituary (1927 - 2016)

Joe F. Akins, 88, of Pana, died Friday, June 24, 2016 in his home. He was born August 22, 1927 in Decatur, IL, son of the late Fred Ellis Hazel Rose Eckard Akins. Joe was raised on a farm with his grandparents in Oconee, but lived most of his adult life in Pana. He served in the U.S. Army, and hadworked for Roses, LTD and then retired from PPG in 1989. He loved fishing hunting. He also enjoyed working on the farm, building and helping his family build onto their homes. Joe Akins and Norma Jean Allen were married on August 25, 1950 in the First United Methodist Church Parsonage in Pana. He is survived by his wife: Norma Jean Akins, Pana, IL; children: Connie Wicker, Pana, IL; Joe Akins, Jr., Pana, IL; and Jeff (Deanna) Akins, Mattoon, IL; grandchildren: Amy, Phillip, Jordan Mellissa Akins; Amanda, Ashley, Amber, Amelia; great grandchildren: Ian, Brady, Aubrey, Tyra, Axel, Raylan, Letty Ann, Aurora, Davidson, Paige, Savannah; and special friend, Silas, the dog. He was also preceded by his granddaughters: Brenna Nicole Goodwin Crystal Gayle Wicker on June 12, 2016; sister, Jean Jannink. Funeral Information Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 30, 2016 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ronald Brown officiating. Burial will be in Twin Pines Cemetery, Pana. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time in the funeral home.