George Edward Akin

OBITUARY GEORGE EDWARD AKIN Mr. George Edward Akin, age 76 of Bolivar, passed away at 11:41 AM Friday, January 26, 2007 at the Citizens Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness. He was born in Lead Hill, Arkansas the son of William Thomas Akin and Ida Coker Akin and later moved to Myrtle Point, OR at 13 years of age where his family settled on a working dairy farm. He became a Golden Glove Lightweight Champion at 16. At the age of 17, he began to work in a sawmill where he lost his right hand in an accident. This didn't slow him down as he pursued logging and tree trimming as his life occupation. George married his first wife Georgia Owen and had six children. They divorced and he remarried to Bernice Chandler. They moved to California where he worked for his father in law's tree business for several years. The couple then moved to Grants Pass, OR, where he logged timber in the summer and started George's Tree Service in the winter. They had 4 more children together along with 4 older step-children, she brought into the marriage. Bernice passed away in 1972 leaving George alone to raise their 4 young children. He remarried on March 9, 1986 in Reno, NV, to Phyllis Brandt gaining 5 more children. Together they operated George's Tree Service for 21 more years. George's passion for hunting made him well known up and down the west coast as the man with some of the best hound dogs. He was a member of the Houndsman's Association. His other favorite past times were salmon fishing, gardening, (he always had the best tomatoes), and raising a large family. George and Phyllis moved to Bolivar, MO in 1990 and has resided here since. He worked for Poor Boys Tree Service for 5 years, until he was diagnosed with cancer. He beat three different types of cancer during a seven year period. Never one to sit still he resumed his hunting activities and now fished for catfish. He restarted George's Tree Service which he operated up to the end. George lived his life with zest, was always right and will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Norvel Akin, Vonnus Akin, Dewey Akin, and Hobert Akin. 5 sisters, Eva Wilkerson, Neva Young, Dorothy Young, Molly Oaks and Flora Ingram. 1 great grandson, Jacob Sorum, 2 step-sons, Gary Chandler and Danny Chandler, a step-daughter, Jeanette Snacker and his first wife Bernice Akin. Surviving is his wife, Phyllis Akin of the home, 7 sons and their wives, Ricky and Gina Akin of Clatskanie, OR; Rocky and Connie Akin of Westport, OR; Monty and May Akin of Longview, WA; John and Nancy Akin of Troy, ID; Randy and Anne Akin of Bolivar, MO; Rod and Kathleen Akin of Eagle Point, OR; Kevin and Johnnie Lanier of Bolivar, MO; 4 daughters and their husbands, Darlene Olson of Santa Cruz, CA; Donna and John Faulkner of Clatskanie, OR; Cheryl Pearce of Olympia, WA; Connie and James Reeve of White City, OR; also 4 step-daughters and their husbands, Victoria and Rick Bonney of Creswell, OR; Debbie Galdones of Bolivar, MO; Tracy and Tom Dandes of Virginia Beach, VA; Cheryl and Tom Gravlee of Ft. Leavenworth, KS and a step-son and his wife, Benny and Margie Chandler of Myrtle Point, OR. One brother, W. T. Akin of Coquille, OR, and one sister, Helen Krestin of Aurora, MO. Also numerous grandchildren, including Corrie Akin, Jamie Wright, Christina Akin and Cherish Garcia all of Bolivar. numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Also numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 11:00 AM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold Hendrickson officiating. Musical selections will be "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", sung by Patsy Cline, "Peace In The Valley"and "In The Garden" sung by Loretta Lynn. Burial will be in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery south of Bolivar under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Casketbearers will be his six sons, Ricky Akin, Rocky Akin, Monty Akin, John Akin, Randy Akin, and Rod Akin. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

George Edward Akin

January 11, 1931 - January 26, 2007