Joe Akins, formerly of Galatia

Joe Akins, 68, of McNeal Arizona and formerly of Galatia, Illinois, passed away at 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 25 at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona.

He was born on May 6, 1953 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the late Jay and Lela (Hall) Akins.

Joe was married to Sharon (Stone) Akins for 47 years. He was a retired police officer and Baptist minister in the Saline County and Paducah areas.

He is survived by wife Sharon; sister Ella Jean Tuttle; three daughters, Niki (Deon) Hufstedler, Katrina (Rick) Stallings and Amber (Gabe) Fondaw; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lela and Jay Akins and one brother, Steve Akins.

Private services were held at Sensible Cremation and Funerals in Tucson, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, condolences or donations to help with funeral expenses can be mailed directly to the family at Sharon Akins, P.O. Box 33, McNeal, Arizona 85617.