Leonard Lee Adkins

Leonard Lee Adkins, age 92, a long-time resident of Metropolis, IL, died at the Metropolis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Metropolis on May 8th, 2017.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Metropolis with Rev. Keith Tilford officiating. Burial will follow in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens.

Leonard was born at the home of his parents, Charles and Anna Adkins in Metropolis on September 2, 1924. He was a lifelong, devoted member of the First Christian Church in Metropolis. Leonard served as Deacon, Trustee, Sunday school teacher and was also Property Chairman for over 25 years. He attended Weaver Creek Grade School, Metropolis High School and the University of Illinois.

The Adkins family farm and peach orchard was where Leonard started his working years. In 1949, Leonard and his dad started their family business of Adkins Tractor Sales. When the family business was sold in 1958, Leonard began his Allied Chemical career at the Metropolis plant where he continued until transferring to the Morristown, NJ, office in 1968. Leonard had assignments in Charlotte, NC, and Barnwell, SC, before coming full circle back to the Metropolis plant where in retired in 1986.

Wanting to be up in the clouds, Leonard sought his pilot's license and soloed for the first time in 1942 at the old Howell Field in Paducah, KY. Afterwards, he soloed in Stearman and SN-J trainers in Navy Flight School in Corpus Christi, TX, training to be a fighter pilot in World War II. When the war ended in 1945, the flight schools closed and Leonard came back to Metropolis. His flying days weren't over though; he and his dad bought a Cessna 140 and enjoyed flying around southern Illinois and western Kentucky for many years to come.

In addition to Leonard's love of the sky and flying, he had many varied interests, some of which he passionately pursued once he retired. He enjoyed model airplane building, golfing, woodcarving, reading and traveling the countryside with his wife, Bea, in pursuit of fine golf courses!

Loved by many and friendships galore, Leonard was always fair and honest... a rare and special man!

Leonard is survived by his wife of 70 years, Bea Woodard Adkins of Metropolis; son, Gary Adkins and wife Bobette Steele of Metropolis; daughter, Linda Arcilesi and husband Richard of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Marisa Arcilesi of Charlotte, NC; brother, Paul Adkins and wife Carol of Dummerston, VT.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Adkins; and one brother, Gale Adkins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 from 12 noon until the funeral hour at the First Christian Church in Metropolis.

Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church 420 Catherine Street Metropolis, IL 62960.

Condolences may be left online at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis.

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