Garland Leroy Adkins

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Garland Leroy Adkins, loving husband, proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and son, died on Sept. 23, 2013, at 2:10 p.m., from complications due to throat cancer. Leroy was a man of action dedicated to getting things changed and making a difference to all those he has known and loved.

Leroy was born in Joplin, Mo., on Aug. 1, 1933, to mother, Gladys Mary, and father, Garland Roger Adkins. Leroy was married to Margaret Ann Kershaw on Jan. 13, 1954. In his early years he was a navel veteran and later came back to Joplin to raise their family, a son, Michael, and daughter, LeAnna.

He worked at Eagle Pitcher Co. while attending Pittsburg State University, where he received both his bachelor's degree and master's degree. After getting his degree the family moved to Jasper, Mo., where he became a high school industrial arts teacher, coach and school bus driver. He spent eight years there before taking a job at the Nevada State Hospital in Nevada, Mo., where he was a director of several different units. He worked there for 18 years before moving on to Heartland, working with and teaching children for four years while becoming director of education. There he came up with the idea of private individual homes for boys that would take care of all their needs and give them a home like environment and sense of community and brotherhood.

Leroy's motto was to make a difference one child at a time and that truly became his calling. He was the founder of his company Challenge N Change, which opened Oct. 11, 1991, and over a span of 22 years he helped more than 485 boys. He recently retired before his move to the Moore-Few Care Center where he spent his final days.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, LeAnna Culp, who passed away in May 1988.

Survivors of his family are his wife, Ann Adkins; his brother, Flavious Adkins; his sisters, Nadine Hansen and Melba Knost; his son, Michael Adkins; four grandchildren, Kimberly Wright, Abbie Perry, Mindy Culp and Cassie Daugherty; and six great-grandchildren, Adrian Hymer, JaeAnna Culp, Max Wright, Hattie Wright, Alexis Leighty and Lucas Daugherty. His life was truly blessed.

Leroy's family would like to thank all family and friends who have been supportive during this difficult time and special thanks to the Moore-Few Care Center and the staff members that truly showed loving kindness to Leroy in his final days at the home. We also thank all staff and children of Challenge N Change who have helped him create his legacy. Thanks to all who have made a difference in his life.

Memorial donations may be made to the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund which helps cancer patients with various needs and services within our community in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Leroy's funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m., at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Interment with military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m., in the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com