Wendell Clayton Akins December 21, 1931- September 26, 2024,
After 92 feisty years, Wendell Clayton Akins died September 26, 2024, with his brother Winford by his side.
He was born December 21, 1931, to Curtis Nolan Akins and Zola Lee Leffew Akins, in Crosby County Texas near Crosbyton, and from that humble beginning, Wendell lived out his life with loving generosity and stubborn independence across west Texas.
Wendell grew up in Memphis in a close-knit family, along with his older brother Paul who served in World War II, his older sister Ruth (oh my, the pranks he pulled on her!), and his baby brother Winford whom he adored.
He was spunky and clever, and he never shied away from a good time or hard work. Even in his final days, he said, “I love to work! I wish I could work right now.”
As a boy he pulled bolls in the cotton field with his dad and brother. He remembers pulling 100-120 lbs at a time. Then, sitting down to enjoy a delicious meal of Vienna sausages, pork ‘n beans, and crackers.
While in high school, Wendell took a job at the M-system grocery store in Memphis, where he showed his strong work ethic. In spite of his small frame, he was amazingly strong. What he lacked in stature he more than made up for in grit and determination.
He went at fun with the same vigor. Most nights after closing the grocery store, he and friends headed out to catch the late show at one of the theaters on the square.
At 17, Wendell married June Hill of Hedley. They lived in Memphis, Colorado, and Lubbock. A daughter Leona Gail was born in Lubbock in 1951.
Then they settled in Lefors where he worked in the local grocery store. A son, Oval Clayton (O.C.) was born in 1956.
It was in Lefors that he settled on a career in the oil industry where he became a trusted roustabout foreman, leading his crew with strength and stamina.
In 1967, Wendell married Helen Armstrong Thacker. Helen brought a great deal of joy into his life. They were active in their community at a time when Lefors was a busy town.
He served two terms as mayor and spent many years on the city council. He was also active in Lions Club.
For Wendell, his word was his bond. He was dependable and he expected the same from others. While stern, he was also tender-hearted. He endured much more than his fair share of sorrow. He lost two children who passed away too young: his son O.C. died in 1983 at age 27, and his daughter Gail in 2010 at age 59. Together, he and Helen raised grandsons Josh and Zeb, whom he deeply loved.
Wendell never met a stranger. He will always be remembered as a friend to every person– and every dog; he adopted many into his life and home. His extreme collection of goods and his generosity were legendary. If you needed something, he probably had a dozen or so in his workshop and you’d be welcome to one. He accumulated a lot of things; but in the end, his fortune was in the people he loved, who loved him in return.
Wendell was preceded in death by Helen, his beloved wife of 50 years; son O.C. and daughter Gail; parents Curt and Zola Akins, and brother Paul; son-in-law James Todd; grandson Cody Freeman and granddaughter Theresa Todd.
He is survived by his family and many friends: sister Ruth Owen (age 97); brother Winford (Judy) Akins; his grandchildren Josh (Becca) Akins, Zeb Akins, Chad (Cindy) Snell; Helen’s children Bob (Sherry) Thacker, Sue Todd, Connie (J.V.) Parks, and Meledy (Kirk) Story; grandchildren Evonne (Keith) Abeyta, Robert Todd, Penny (Ron) Falkowski, Tim Todd, Jared (Heidi) Story, Heath Story, and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his close friends Teddy and Wanda Nolte, Caitlin, Tori, and Kaiden, who cared for him like family.
There will be a viewing at Winegeart Funeral Home, 300 W Browning Ave, Pampa, Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10:00 am, at the First Baptist Church of Lefors with burial afterward at Memorial Heights Cemetery of Lefors.
The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
Should you wish to leave condolences or words of comfort for the family on Wendell’s Book of Memories, please feel free to visit www.winegeartfuneral.com
