Barney Mack Akers, Jr.

October 20, 2024

Barney Mack Akers, Jr. passed away October 19, 2024 at the Kearny County Hospital, Lakin, Kansas. Barney was the son of Barney Mack Akers, Sr. and Elsie Edna (Griffin) Akers.  He was born August 11, 1931 in Ardmore, Oklahoma.  

Barney attended grade school in Springer, Oklahoma and began high school in Ardmore, Oklahoma before finishing school at Kendall High School. He graduated in 1949. He went on to further his education at a trade school in Omaha, Nebraska in Radio Technology. After his time in the trade school he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps on January 2, 1952 and entered basic training in San Diego, California. Barney trained in the 2nd marine air wing and attended electronic school to become a qualified radar tech. Barney served in Eaton, North Carolina, Jacksonville, Florida, Memphis, Tennessee and Santa Anna, California. Barney was a Lance Corporal when he was honorably discharged from service on January 2, 1954. He continued in the reserves for 8 years but was never called back to service. After his military service he returned to the Kendall area to farm with his father-in-law Oscar Rector. On March 22, 1952, he married Dixie Charlene Rector in Syracuse, Kansas. To this union two sons were born, Mike & Mark. Barney enjoyed watching his sons participate in their sporting events so much that he and Dixie traveled all night once to see a track meet that Mark was competing in. One of his greatest loves was being in the field on either the tractor or the combine. He farmed the majority of his life in the Kendall & Syracuse area and resided on the farm until his passing. 

He served his community as president of the Syracuse Co-op Board for almost 40 years. Barney loved to fish and hunt as he spent many vacations fishing with his friends and relatives.

He is survived by his spouse Dixie Charlene (Rector) Akers of Kendall, Kansas, sons Mike (& wife Shanna) Akers of Greenville, Texas, Mark (& wife Paula) Akers of Kendall, Kansas, Sisters, Martha Pfannenstiel of Dodge City, Kansas, Anita Williamson of Garden City, Kansas, 6 Grandchildren, Lee (& wife Kerri) Akers of Mount Pleasant, Texas, Char (& husband Brian) Smart of Archie, Missouri, Kari (& husband John) Suchecki of Houston, Texas, Holly Jo Brackeen of Granberry, Texas, Jessica (& husband Colby) Caple of Windsor, Colorado, Scott (& wife Vallin) Akers of Goddard, Kansas, 9 Great Grandchildren, Gabe, Jack, Charlie, Larkin, Brooks, Ellie, Auggie, Austin, Harper, and numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney Mack Akers, Sr. & Elsie Edna (Griffin) Akers; Brother Jim Akers; Sisters Joy Sikes & Elizabeth Dennis, and a daughter-in-law , Cindy Akers.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM (MDT) at the First United Methodist Church in Syracuse, KS.  Interment will follow in the Syracuse Cemetery, Syracuse, KS. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (MDT) at Fellers Funeral Home LLC, Syracuse, Kansas 

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be payable to First United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Fellers Funeral Home LLC, PO Box 1253, Syracuse, KS 67878. 620-384-5100.