Richard "Dick" W. Adkins, Sr.

Richard “Dick” W. Adkins, Sr., 84, of Battle Creek, passed away on February 11, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 21, 1938 to Paul and Emma (Hamilton) Adkins in Battle Creek, Michigan. Dick was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1957. On August 15, 1964 he married Sandra Smith in Climax, Michigan. Dick and Sandy raised their family in Battle Creek. He worked for Post Cereal Company and retired after 38 years as a Cereal Maker. He also worked at Meijer Car Wash.

Dick proudly served his country as a Military Medic in the US Army. He enjoyed travel, camping, being outdoors, and it just didn’t seem to matter whether he was working in the yard, tinkering around, hunting or fishing. In fact, Dick wouldn't even come in from the lake until he just couldn't see the line or bobber any longer. He served on the chase team for the Post Hot Air Balloons and really enjoyed the men's breakfasts at church. But above all else, Dick was a true family man, he loved and cherished his family every day.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years Sandy; son, Richard W. Adkins, II; brothers, Randel T. Adkins, Ralph (Bonnie) E. Adkins, Roger (Cindy) M. Adkins, Russell (Candi) Adkins; sisters, Cheryle (Dan) Wells, Lois Spyker; brother-in-law, Howard Chism; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Kelley; son, Sammy Adkins; parents, Paul and Emma Adkins; sisters, Paula Adkins, and Joyce Chism; brothers, Ronald "Dean" Adkins, and Robert (Dianne) Adkins; brother-in-law, Richard "Spike" Spyker; and grandson, Shawn Kelley.

Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Visitation will be held on SUNDAY, February 19, 2023, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm & TUESDAY, February 21, 2023, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, the funeral service will begin at 12:00pm, Pastor John McConihay, officiating. A committal service and interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 M-96, Augusta, MI 49012.

Memorials are suggested to either Make A Wish Foundation, 7600 Grand River Ave #175, Brighton, MI 48114, https://wish.org/michigan or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/ . Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book, or to leave personal condolences.