Elbert Gene Adkins

Rev. Elbert Gene Adkins, 84, of Mulberry, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026 in Fort Smith. He was born January 24, 1942 in Van Buren to the late Elbert and Zoe (Rowland) Adkins. He was a very humble, down-to-earth person and was very appreciative of everything that had been done for him. He was the Pastor at Oak Bower Open Door Church and loved singing and preaching the Gospel. Missionary trips took him to South America where he put his skills as a Spanish teacher to good use. He never met a stranger. He loved to talk, he loved his family and enjoyed having them in church, and he especially loved his hats and boots.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Nancy Carol Adkins; a son, David Eugene Adkins; two sisters, Sharon Adkins and Lousie Adkins; two brothers, Billy Adkins and Jacky Adkins; and a grandson, Derek Ray Adkins.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Adkins of the home; four daughters, Zoe Owens and husband Pat of Muldrow, Teresa Adkins of Van Buren, Rebecca Adkins of Van Buren, and Laura Adkins Willis of Muldrow; a son, Jacky Dale Adkins of Cedarville; a sister, Patsy Griffin of Siloam Springs; two brothers, Obie Adkins and wife Sammie of Farmersville, California, and Ricky Adkins and wife Leticia of Visalia, California; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Gill Cemetery in Van Buren, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Austin Blackfox, Blaze Willis, Caleb Lentz, Greggory Osborn II, Seth Adkins, Jacob Coleman, Levi Johnson, Dylan Adkins, and Jacky Adkins II. Honorary pallbearers will be David Adkins II, Josh Adams, Jonathon Adkins, River Blackfox, Reign Blackfox, Roman Blackfox, Finn and Brooks Asher, Isiah Johnson, Derek Adkins, and Coleson Willis.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.