Roger Adkins

September 22, 2011

NOVI — Roger Lee Adkins, 66, of Traverse City and formerly of Kalamazoo, passed away as a result of complications due to an aneurysm Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, in Novi, with his family by his side. Roger was born in Kalamazoo on Jan. 16, 1945, to Charles and Mary (Fitch) Adkins. On April 24, 1965, Roger entered into marriage with the former Barbara Weber. He honorably served for eight years as a member of the United States Air Force during Vietnam. During his time with the Air Force Roger was stationed in Kansas, Vietnam and Oklahoma. While in Kansas Roger watched his family grow with the addition of his daughter, Myrna. The family made their way back to Michigan in 1971. Residing in Plainwell, Roger began his career with the ever and multi-changing phone company. He retired in 2001 after a 30-year career with what began as ATT, and then was MI Bell, Ameritech, SBC and eventually ATT once more. It was in Plainwell that his daughter, Jennifer was stillborn. Then the phone company transferred him and his family to "God's country", Traverse City, in 1982. It was a double blessing for his in-laws, Frances and George Weber and his sister-in-law, Kathy, who lived there.Roger loved to volunteer, and it filled his life, especially after he retired. Volunteer work became his new career and focus of life. He was able to squeeze in travel time with Barbara, the occasional road trip and loved tending to his flower gardens. Roger was so very proud of his hybrid iris and lilies. He loved his family, his church family, being a Sunday school teacher for over 15 years, and he loved to help people in all ways, but most of all he loved his God.Roger was past President, Board member and Labor Liaison for United Way of Northwest Michigan and past President and Board member for Central Labor Council and Love I.N.C. He also sat on the Board of Helping Hands and Salvation Army. Roger was an active part of the Elders and Sunday School Teacher of First Christian Church, Community Meals, Safe Harbor, Central Labor Council Food Pantry and N.M. DeColores, CWA retirees and the Grand Traverse Democratic Party. He will be remembered by so many for his tenacious 'volunteerism' and giving nature. The day Roger became ill and entered the hospital was right after a Love I.N.C. board retreat and potluck. As his nephew stated at the hospital to him, "Well, Unk, this is the perfect way for you to go, doing two of your favorite things, food and volunteering". Roger is survived by his mother, Mary Bruystems; loving wife of over 46 years, Barbara; daughter, Myrna Adkins; sister, Nancy Blank; nephews, Phillip Adkins and Matthew Blank; niece, Amanda; an extended family of nieces and nephews, whom he dearly loved; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, aunt, uncle and cousins; and many other loving family members, fellow volunteers, companions and friends.Roger was preceded in death by his father, Charles Adkins; daughter, Jennifer Adkins; brother, Marvin Adkins; stepfather, Glenn Hoard; stepbrother, Herman (Bud) Hoard; stepsister, Pat Lacey; and nephew, Marvin Adkins.Memorial services celebrating Roger's life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at the First Christian Church, with Pastor Brett Spalding officiating.Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Christian Church or Love I.N.C. Please share thoughts with the family at Roger's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.