John F. Akers

Former Hastings resident, John F. Akers, 95, of Rapid City, SD, passed away Sunday, September 2, 2012 at the Victorian his home. Memorial service will be Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church in Hastings, NE with Pastor Larry Harvey and Rev. Ruth Yeaton officiating. There will be no visitation or book signing. Brand-Wilson Funeral Home and Cremation are in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. A memorial will be established. John was born June 18, 1917 in Arthur, NE to Elmer and Mary Akers. He was the eldest of 7 children. His parents moved to a farm near Naponee, NE, where he attended Woody Elementary School and Naponee High School. He graduated from Hastings College in 1941 and taught in Huntley, NE. When WWII began, he joined the Naval Air Corp, but was called back to help his father manage the farm. On August 20th, 1944 he married Marjorie Wareham Reid in Stella, NE, and for the next 12 years he put much energy into making farming a productive career. During that time, 3 daughters were born, Frances, Ruth and Margaret. In 1958 he felt the call to become a pastor and moved the family to Kansas City, KS, where he attended Central Baptist Seminary. Upon ordination he became the minister of camping for the Nebraska Babtist Convention, and later pastored the American Baptist churches in Benson, Tekamah, Glenwood, Oxford, Wilsonville and Hastings, NE. John loved boy scouting and received the Silver Beaver award for his years of service, he also loved gardening, working in Kiwanis, Crossroads Center and doing some traveling. The last 10 years were spent in Rapid City, SD where he mad new friends and enjoyed being closer to family. He is survived by 3 daughters, Frances Peterson and husband Brian, Ruth Yeaton and husband Todd and Midge Magstadt and husband Mike, 2 brothers, Virgil Akers and Lyle Akers and wife Elayne and one sister Leah Ritchie, 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie, and 2 bothers and one sister.