Lonnie Akins

Lonnie Akins was born May 30, 1918 in Whitesboro, Oklahoma to John and Allie M. (Pugh) Akins. As a young man Lonnie grew up and received his education in Whitesboro. Lonnie entered the Army Air Corps on July 25, 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lonnie was a part of the 877th Bombardment Squadron in the Pacific Theater he was later discharged on February 14, 1947. On July 14, 1958 Lonnie was united in marriage to Geraldine (Bybee) in Gainesville, Texas. They made their home in Oklahoma City and while in Oklahoma City Lonnie accepted employment with Acme Oil Field Supply. He later gained employment for Tinker Air Force Base. Lonnie was an inspector of precision tools. While being employed at Tinker Lonnie invented and later patented a measuring device that calibrated torque wrenches which was used extensively. Lonnie was employed with Tinker Air Force Base for over 27 years when he retired in 1973.

Upon his retirement Lonnie and Geraldine moved to Cleveland. He started working part time at the Red Dot and remained doing that for several years. Lonnie loved to fish, hunt and work on boats in his spare time was well as spending time with his family.

Lonnie passed away May 9, 2004 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 85 years 11 months and 9 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Clonnie and other brother Carl.

Survived by his wife, Geraldine Akins of the home; children Jim and his wife Gail Akins of Titusville, Florida; Bruce and his wife Jane Larsen of Holland, Ohio; Diana and her husband George King of Cleveland, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Debra, Donna, Lori, Silas, Lonnie and Anthony; three great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 10:00 am in the Woodland Cemetery with Rev. Jack Bybee officiating. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Lonnie Akins at www.chapman-black.com.