Harold J Adkins

Born December 12, 1925 in South Pekin to Walter and Eva (Corley) Adkins, he married Nadine Marilyn Freeman on October 7, 1948 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Michael (Mary Ann) Adkins of New Albany, OH, Tim (Denise) Adkins and John (Ronda) Adkins, both of Pekin; one daughter, Lisa (Dennis) Sheehan of Pekin; fourteen grandchildren, Amanda (Brad) Schneider of Granville, OH, Patrick Adkins of Reynoldsburg, OH, Branden (Christy) Adkins of Geneva, Courtney (Curt) O’Connor of Bloomington, Jake (Sarah) Adkins of Germantown Hills, Jamie (Brian) Powell, Ellie (Andy) Volz, Donnie (Jen) Schlottman, Matthew Sheehan, Mollie Sheehan, Ronnie (Jackie) Harris, and Richelle (Michael) Bland, all of Pekin, Michael Sheehan of Chicago, and Roderick (Amy) Harris of Metamora; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Faydene Piper of Chapel Hill, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eugene Adkins and Howard “Bud” Adkins.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Whitey worked as a bricklayer in the Pekin area for many years. He had received his 50 year pin.

He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10178 in Englewood, FL. He had been a member of the American Legion and the Elk’s Lodge.

Whitey was a devoted family man and was the family handyman. He enjoyed reading non-fiction books.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Michael McLeod will officiate. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P O Box 7558517, Topeka, KS 66675.

The family would like to thank the staff of Pekin Manor for their care and kindness given to Whitey.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com