Sam Vernon Akins, age 90, of Bedford, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024. A proud sixth generation Texan, he was born on April 21, 1933 (San Jacinto Day), to Vernon R. and Yvonne (Jeter) Akins in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Sam grew up in Jacksboro, and he relished the memories of his hometown. At age 14 he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Jacksboro High School’s class of 1950 and earned a BA degree in Business from the University of North Texas in 1954. He was a lifelong dedicated brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon and cherished their brotherhood of lifetime friendships.
Sam married his college sweetheart, Malta Evans in 1955 in Olney, TX. A proud American patriot and veteran, Sam served in the US Army as a Sergeant in Korea. Sam and Malta were blessed with three daughters (Malynn, Melissa, Marihelen) and raised their family in Irving.
Sam was Sr. Vice President at Dallas Federal Savings where he was employed for 25 years before becoming a founding officer of First American Savings and then President of United Bank and Trust of Grapevine.
Sam’s Christian faith and values were a cornerstone of his life. In college, he became an ordained deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksboro; in adulthood his family attended St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Irving for 45 years where he served as an elder; and in retirement he and Malta moved to North Richland Hills Hometown and became active members of White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake where he served on the Administrative Board.
Family was the center of Sam’s life. He was an only child who counted all his cousins as siblings. Sam’s greatest pride was in his marriage to Malta, his three daughters, their husbands, and their five grandchildren. His favorite family activity was taking their children and grandchildren to their East Texas Lake House on Lake Frankston for weekends and holidays for more than 30 years, after growing up at his parent’s lake house on Possum Kingdom Lake. He also cherished the memories of taking each grandchild to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City or cruising through Alaska.
Throughout Sam’s life he was an active member of his community serving on the Board of the Presbyterian Children’s Homes of Texas and the Board of Wasatch Presbyterian Academy of Utah. Additionally, he served on the UNT Alumni Board, the Irving Municipal Library Board, the Irving Bicentennial Commission of 1976, as well as Irving’s Housing Development Board. He was an honorary life member of the Dallas Genealogical Society, a member of the Dallas County Pioneer Association, and a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Sam was an avid supporter of the Salvation Army and United Way.
Sam’s additional passions included being a lifelong family genealogist; collecting antiques (some of which are displayed at the Jack County Museum); photography (snapshots); American and Texas history; and traveling to all 50 states and 16 countries (highlights include Vermont in the Fall and a trip to the Holy Land).
Sam is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Malta Evans Akins and his three daughters Malynn (John) Harris, Melissa (Joe) Rossa, and Marihelen (Neil) Wieberg. His legacy continues through his five grandchildren: Brayden (Sunni) Harris, Kathryn (Rhett) Goodman, Christina Rossa, Andrew Rossa, and Mackenzie (Aidan) Robison, as well as his great grandchildren Elliott Goodman, Caroline Goodman, Lilian Goodman, and Landon Harris.
Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and Larry Seedig, nephews Lyle (Julie) Seedig and Landry (Jamie) Seedig, and great nieces and nephews Katelyn, Brett, Crew, Brooke, Presley, and Taylor. Along with numerous cousins and many dear friends.
Memorials, if desired, to Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services in Austin, TX (pchas.org) or White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, TX (whiteschapel.org).
A funeral service in celebration of his life is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 10:00 am, at White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, TX with a reception to follow. The family will hold a private burial at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery later that day.
Sam was inspired by his Christian faith to live a life of service to his country, his friends, his church, and his family. He will be remembered for his optimistic, larger-than-life personality, and his kindness and compassion for others. He lived his life to the fullest. He never met a stranger. He was a happy man.
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