Harlan R. Akins

Harlan R. Akins, 72, of Benton Harbor, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Friday, April 4, 2014 at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. William Hughes officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Freewill Baptist Church. Those wishing to sign Harlan’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Harlan was born October 23, 1941 in Hayti, Missouri to James & Blanche (Glass) Akins.  He attended the Missouri School for the Deaf and after his family moved to Michigan, the Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint.  Harlan was employed for fifteen years at Paramount Die Cast in Stevensville until they closed, and ten years at Certified Metal Finishing in Benton Harbor.  He was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Benton Harbor and a very devout Christian who lived his Faith, and a very kind, loving & generous person.  Harlan enjoyed NASCAR and building & racing remote control cars.  He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Harlan is survived by his siblings-James (Diane) Akins of Stevensville, Richard (Betty) Akins of Haines City, FL, Veda (Vern) Wright of St. Joseph, Jerry Akins of Benton Harbor, Jenny (Bob) VanDeWarker of Eau Claire; numerous nieces & nephews; his special nephew Rodney Akins; his loving, extended family in Missouri; special friends Rev. William & Anne Marie Hughes; and his feline companion Boue.  He was preceded in death by his father James Akins, his mother and step-father Blanche & Elton J. Chambers, and his sister Denise Akins.