Hugh (Bill) Adkins

Hugh (Bill) Adkins, 88 of Independence, MO passed away Monday Oct. 6, 2008. Bill was born to the late Clem and Marie Adkins on Christmas Day of 1919 in Winthrop, Arkansas. As a child Bill and his family traveled from farm to farm by covered wagon working as they went. They came by train and settled in Dewitt, MO. Being poor and with a limited education to the 7th grade, Bill proceeded to do what he did best. Work hard and provide for his family. Working as a farmhand for about five years, Bill then was drafted into the Army on Nov.28, 1942. He fought on the beaches of Normandy and in the battle of the Bulge. Bill was discharged on Dec. 9, 1945 with 5 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart from wounds he received in France, July 7, 1944. November 2, 1946, Bill married his sweetheart June Earnest. While they resided in Carrollton, MO. Bill continued to work hard as a truck driver and as a heavy construction worker. Bill and June relocated to Independence, MO for the remainder of his life, where he worked in electrical construction and operated heavy equipment. Bill retired as a member of the IBEW Local 53, KCMO. Survivors include his wife, June of the home; three sons, Bob Adkins and wife Beulah of Independence, MO, David Adkins and wife Jeanie of Waverly, MO, and Ron Adkins and wife Brenda of Kearney, MO; as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.