Joel Robert "Jake" Adkins, 98 years old, was called to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 16, 2021. He entered this world on March 20, 1922, born to Mary and Levi Adkins, in Farmerville, LA. Joel honorably served his country in the US Army during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Bronze Star. He also served the Pride, LA, and Baker, LA, communities as a High School and Junior High School Math teacher as his chosen profession for many years. Joel is survived by his three children, Rusty Adkins of Lawtell, LA (wife Ann), Mary "Ginger" Thomas of Tyler, TX (husband David), and Rob Adkins of Ballston Spa, NY (wife Sandi); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved him dearly, as well as several nieces and nephews. Joel was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Yeager Adkins; also, his parents, James Leander (Levi) and Mary Ernestine Frazier Adkins; brothers Grady Adkins and Roy Adkins, and, sister, Marcia Adkins Horton. Public visitation will be at Baker Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, from 11:00AM until the service at 12:30. Interment will follow at Louisiana National Cemetery at 2:00PM with military honors and flag presentation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any charity of your choice in Joel's memory. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and/or leave a personal note. Mask are required per state mandate.
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Mr. Adkins taught us at Pride High. Such a kind man! May God's love surround you at this time!
Billy and Rinda Davis
Student
February 25, 2021
Wish I could be there on Wednesday. You are so blessed to have your dad so long. Your parents were both wonderful people. Love y’all.
Karen LeMoine Pitre
Friend
February 23, 2021
Rusty, Ginger and Rob. Sorry for the loss of your Dad. I have so many great memories of your Dad. So selflessly giving his time coaching us in baseball for so many years. I often think of those times where not only did he teach us how to play the game but how he also taught us about the game of life. Thank You Mr. Jake!
Craig Pike
Friend
February 22, 2021
To all of the Adkins family, what a wonderful man Joel Adkins was. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have known him, your mom, and all of you.
Rob, I think of you and your dad often. He was kind, funny, and the most down to earth person ever, I'm blessed to have had him and you as neighbors.
May God blessings comfort all of you.
David Reynerson
Neighbor
February 21, 2021
Rusty, GInger, & Rob: Sincere condolences to you on the loss of your Father. He was a really good man who left an impressions on hundreds of young people, including me. Lots of "bunk" in today's world but he was the real deal.
Keith Cox
Friend
February 20, 2021
Thanks for your service MR.Adkins May you Rest In Peace
Thankful American
Friend
February 20, 2021
Rusty, Ginger, and Rob--My love and prayers are with you as you say "goodbye" to your dad. I have so many great memories of him in my childhood years. He truly had the heart of a teacher and loved young people. He wasn't just a hero in WWII; he was a hero in life and has you three to live on as his victories.
Marilyn Stewart Burleigh
Wilson, LA
MARILYN STEWART BURLEIGH
Friend
February 20, 2021
Adkins Family: So sorry to learn of your fathers passing. Praying for all of you. ( Pride High 8 th grade student)
Dean Croft
Student
February 20, 2021
Dear Ginger, Rusty and Rob,
SIncere sympathy & prayers at the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful man with a great family. We were blessed to have you as our neighbors. God bless you all!
Karen Decoteau-Lambert
February 20, 2021
Condolences to the family of Mr. Atkins, Mr. Joel was one of my favorite patients at the nursing home!!!! He was the most strongest 98 year old man I ever met, always trying to do for himself.... yours truly Crystal Brown
Crystal Brown
February 18, 2021
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