Russell Adkins was born Sept. 21, 1939, to Roy and Viola (Stewart) Ad-kins in the Rock Creek area near Grinnell. He was the sixth of 10 children. He graduated from Searsboro High School in 1958 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years.
Russ was united in marriage to Sandra Williams on Oct. 20, 1962. They were blessed with three children: Michael, Sherrie, and Teresa. Together they ran an auction business for over 35 years, during which he also farmed and sold real estate. Russ and Sandy traveled all over the Midwest showing paint horses, including several champions. Russ also enjoyed spending time with his dogs. He will be remembered for his many life stories and pranks. He had an unwavering faith and love for the Lord.
Russ went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Jeanne Lewis, Jane Moffit, Charles Adkins, and Jerry Beyer.
Russ is survived by his wife Sandra Adkins of Fair Grove, MO; son Michael (Angela) Adkins of Germantown, OH; daughters Sherrie (Bart) Gensch of Southside, AL, and Teresa (John) Foster of Colfax; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings Marilyn Elliott of Winter Springs, FL, Don Adkins of Darlington, MO, Richard Adkins of Unionville, MO, and Bruce Adkins of Cedar Falls.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Northside Christian Church in Springfield, MO, with visitation before services at the church. Graveside services were at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at West Liberty Cemetery, near Searsboro.
