Dean Adkins, 66, Pierceton, passed away at 8:50 a.m. Jan 9, 2015, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. He was born Dec 16, 1948, in Martin, Ky., to Randall and Lexie Conn Adkins. On May 29, 1976, in Lima, Ohio, he married Paula Sue Bailey, who survives in Pierceton. He was a loving husband of 38 years and a wonderful father. Loved by so many, he was a son, a brother, an uncle to 142 (yes, you read it right, 142), a godparent to Caleb Divine and Molly Whisman, a Marine and a friend to so many. He was owner/operator of Dean’s Tree Service. He began tree trimming at age 16, and has worked within the community for so many people over the years. Also surviving are six children: Paula (and spouse John) Moore, Winona Lake; Bobbi Deane Martin, Paul Dean Jr. (and spouse Celina) and Daniel Dean (and spouse Monica) Adkins, all of Pierceton; Kenneth Lee Lasley, Elkhart; and Sheila (and spouse Ed) Yohe, South Whitley; his mother, Lexie Stephens; 15 siblings: Ronnie Stephens, Don (and spouse Dian) Adkins, Evelyn “Cookie” (and spouse Bill) Bryant, Faye Campbell, Danny (and spouse Vickie) Adkins, Gary (and spouse Cecelia) Adkins, Debra (and spouse Terry) Thompson, Rita (and spouse Kenny) Elder, Robert “Jr.” (and spouse Melanie) Stephens, Tena (and spouse Brooks) Huffer, Lena (and spouse Joe) Ball, Joe Stephens, Belva Stephens and an inducted brother, Sam (and spouse Judy) Lambert; 10 grandchildren: Mia, Kierstan, Madeline, Brady, Paige, Anika, Seth, Nick, Micah and Judea. He was proceeded in death by his father; his stepfather, Robert Stephens; his sister, Onda ; and his brother, Ray Stephens. Our large family has been so touched by the outpouring of love and encouragement since his homegoing. We are overwhelmed by how many lives he touched. We appreciate all the support and kind words so freely given. We have read multiple social media posts that say “Rest in peace, Dean.” As a family, to him we say, “Rest in joy, loved one. Rest in joy with your Savior!” Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Living Hope Ministries, 595 E. CR 350N, Warsaw, with Pastor Bob Brown officiating. Burial is in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, is entrusted with arrangements. ***** Memorials to God’s Highway to Heaven Food Pantry, 555 Weber St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Condolences may be sent via mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
