John Paul Akins, Sr, a resident of Sulphur, Oklahoma, was born May 29, 1938 in Ripley, Tennessee to James Henry & Martha Jane (Ditto) Akins, Sr. He passed away March 21, 2012 at Pauls Valley, Oklahoma at the age of 73 years.

He was married to Debbie (Copeland) Akins at Sulphur on December 17, 1999. He spent his early life in Tennessee. He lived in Maysville before moving to Sulphur two and one half years ago. He had driven a truck for over 50 years. John loved fishing, gardening and his family.

He was married to Helen Jeanette Cooper Akins who preceded him in death December 1998. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Jayse Ryan Hughes; his parents; three sisters, Syble Brown, Frances Clark, Eva Mai Walker; one brother, James Henry Akins, Jr.

Survivors include: his wife, Debbie Akins of Sulphur; grandson, Logan Matthew of the home; daughter, Mary Faye Smith; sons, John Paul Akins, Jr., James Alton Akins, Terry Len Akins, Barry Joseph Akins and Michael Shane Akins; step-daughters, Amanda Hughes, Brandi Idleman, Mary Helen Place; step-sons, Michael Worley, Brandon Johnson, Raymond Louis Anderson, Edward Leslie Anderson; sisters, Gladys Wakefield and Velma Lindeman; Best Friends and Brothers at Heart, Joe Crawford and Leroy Mize; 35 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Services were held March 24, 2012 at DeArman’s Clagg Funeral Chapel with Rev. Billy Davenport officiating. Interment followed in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of DeArman’s Clagg Funeral Home.