Keith Edward Akins

The Reverend Keith Edward Akins, 91, passed away on October 23, 2017 surrounded by his family at Brewster Place Health Center in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born May 14, 1926 in Salina, Kansas, the son of Murphy and Bertha Watts Akins.

He graduated from Minneapolis (KS) High School. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and received the Order of the Arrow. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Navy Pacific Fleet Seabees.
He received an undergraduate degree from Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia, KS), and a graduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI). He taught public school in Kansas at Garden City High School, Garden City Community College, Iola High School, Allen County Community College, and Shawnee Heights High School. He continued his service to the students of Kansas as an administrative assistant at the Kansas State High School Activities Association for twenty years until his retirement in 1988.

He was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal church in 1993, with his ministry centering on elders.

He is survived by his wife, Reeta O'Haro Akins and their six children and spouses: Bruce and Diane Akins of Osage City (KS), Jim and Mary Akins of Frankfort (KS), Katy and Steve Reeves of Gainesville (VA), Rich and Beth Akins of Lees Summit (MO), Tom and DeAnn Akins of Durham (NC), and Bob and Vickie Akins of Milton (GA). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Services will be at 2pm, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Grace Episcopal Cathedral (701 SW 8th, Topeka) with visitation preceding the service at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Keith and Reeta Akins Scholarship Fund, Emporia State University Foundation (1500 Highland, Emporia, KS 66801) or Grace Episcopal Cathedral.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.

To share a memory of Keith or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.