Ray E Adkins Jr.

He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on January 20, 1936. He was the only child of Raymond and Mary Adkins. He grew up in Plattsmouth, Nebraska and graduated from Plattsmouth High School in 1954. He attended Regis College in Denver, Colorado.

Ray worked as a semi-truck salesman for most of his life; selling Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks. His job took his family too many different towns and states, but found a place in Billings, Montana to raise his family. He was passionate about his golf game and enjoyed playing many rounds with friends, coworkers and family. Although Alzheimer’s had slowly and cruelly taken him from us over the past few years, in his last days, he fondly remembered living in Montana.

As a member of Shriners, he worked with the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl football game, which not only showcased the talents of Nebraska’s finest football seniors, it helped pay for countless children who found themselves in need of free medical attention at the Shriners Hospitals. He helped organize the annual Shrine Bowl calendar every year, raising funds for the Shriners Hospitals. Ray also enjoyed being a clown with the Shriners. He loved to walk alongside his father-in-law and brother-in-law during the parades; seeing the children on the parade route and handing out candy to anyone who wanted it. He was a member of Jesters and Sesostris Chanters. Ray was a member of Masonic College View Lodge #320, and Scottish Rite.

Ray was a huge fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He loved to watch the games surrounded by friends at their house or in person at their seats in Lincoln Memorial Stadium. He knew so much Husker trivia, that on more than one occasion, he was banned by the local radio station from calling in with the answer for weeks at a time. GBR!

He is surpassed in death by his parents Raymond, Sr. and Mary Adkins. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Adkins, children Trey Adkins and wife Lynn, (grandchildren McKenna, Kloe and Lauryn), Ann Knoyle and husband Jerry (grandchildren Carter and Riley), Stephanie Orth and husband Mark (grandchildren Mason and Landon). Barbara’s twin sister, Marsha Sowers (Duane, deceased) and her partner Ken Krupicka. His Sister-in-law, Lu Wilson and her husband Dennis. Cousins Sharon Pohlmeier and husband Ron, Bob Roland and his wife Nelcine, and many nieces and nephews.

Ray’s ashes will be interned at Lincoln Memorial. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date yet to be determined in Lincoln, Nebraska. For his sake, hopefully not on a football Saturday.

Grief never ends...

It just changes.

It’s a passage,

Not a place to stay.

Grief is not a sign of weakness,

Nor a lack of faith...

It is the price of

Love

Author Unknown

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis in care of Sesostris Shrine 1050 Saltillo Rd Roca, Nebraska 68430