Clark Shawn Akins

Clark Shawn Akins passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 16, 1956 to Guy and Phyllis (Carlson) Akins in Boulder, Colorado. Clark attended school in Boulder, CO and later in Crosby, MN. He enlisted in the Air Force in January 1972 and was honorably discharged in August 1974. He was preceded in death by his father Guy, both maternal and fraternal grandparents and his loving son Jared. He is survived by his wife Cathy, his loving stepchildren JR Cooper (Marykay) and Melissa Marino (Martin), his grandchildren Ashley Lee (Morgan), Tony Marino (Chelsea), Morgan & Payton Marino, Jaylyn Cooper, his mother Phyllis, brothers Jeff and Bruce, and his aunt, Col. Joyce Carlson.  He was also blessed with three great grandsons Harrison Lee (aka General), Owen Lee and Grayson Marino.

When our twin granddaughters were born, he was the “ride-along” for Melissa when she had to go deliver payrolls, etc. He enjoyed calling Cathy and telling her that he was with their granddaughters when she was at work and couldn’t be there. He put them on the phone way before they came out of diapers. When our first great grandson was born, Ashley & Morgan couldn’t decide on a name; Clark decided he would call him “General” (their last name is Lee).

He loved hunting, working in his workshop at home (making Aggravation Boards, Gnome Doors, and Christmas decorations) and camping at Marshall Lake. He was a member of the Louisville Rod & Gun Club, the Tri-City Elks Club and the American Legion. He was employed by the St. Louis Catholic Church/School for the past ten plus years as a maintenance supervisor.

He came home nightly with stories of all the kids at school. He would give “high fives” to all the preschoolers as they entered the lunchroom. They all loved “Mr. Clark”. He enjoyed reading the get well wishes the students and staff sent him. After his last heart surgery, they sent him a superhuman pumpkin that all the kids signed. The kids at St. Louis were (and always will be) a special part of who Clark was.

Even though he wasn’t Catholic, he was a Catholic at heart; he loved the church he came to take care of. He built a new cross and put on the top of the church for all to see.

We will have a service and a celebration of life for Clark later this summer.

Heritage Funeral & Cremation Services of Lafayette is handling arrangements.

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