Billie Adkins

Billie Gene Adkins, 88, passed away April 20, 2016 with his loving family by his side. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Apr. 23, from 1-2pm, with funeral service at 2pm, both at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave. He will be laid to rest in Mt. Washington Cemetery.

Billie was born on February 25, 1928, in Independence, MO, to Hobson and Viola (Mayden) Adkins. He grew up in Wakenda on the family farm, and graduated from Wakenda High School in 1947 in a class of eight students. Billie was introduced to Caroline Allwood through a relative, and Billie and Caroline married in 1948. They began their family in Wakenda with the birth of their first daughter, Linda. In 1951, a great flood forced them to relocate to Independence, where they permanently called home. They were blessed with another daughter, Shirley, a short time later. Billie found work with Lake City Ammunition Plant for one year, and then began a career at the Ford assembly plant. He retired from Ford after 30 years. He enriched his life by fishing, playing cards, repairing TVs, camping with his family, and listening to bluegrass music. He was also a very talented woodworker – he made shelves, tables, and quilt racks, and sold them proudly at various consignment stores in the area. He loved to tease and make people laugh.

He will be dearly missed by his family: wife of 67 years, Caroline; daughters, Linda Marmoy and Shirley Gard; grandchildren, Sean Marmoy, Matthew Marmoy, Rachael Wittenberger, and Angela Stevenson; 12 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hobson and Viola Adkins; and his sister, Wilma Lee Adkins, at 10 years of age.

Contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Independence, Billie’s and Caroline’s home church for many years, in honor of Billie.

Online condolences at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Carson-Speaks 816-252-7900)