Ronald R. Akers

Ronald R. Akers

Guntersville, Ala.

Born March 30, 1936, in Rural Marion County, Iowa, he was the son of Ralph E. Akers and Alice R. Akers. Ron grew up on a 165-acre farm where he and his beloved siblings, Dianne, Judith, and Donald, worked alongside their parents from a young age. This sculpted a powerful work ethic, strong self-motivation and, most importantly and pervasively, a love of family.

Ron attended Troy Mills High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete and excelled academically. After graduating in 1954, he joined the Army where he completed a two-year tour in Germany and other European stations. He specialized in several technical specialties while in the military. After returning, Ron attended Iowa State University where he met his future wife, Beverly Jamison. From there, life moved quickly. They married in 1957, Ron graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. It was at this time; they welcomed the first of four sons. After graduating, Ron moved his growing family to Pittsburgh, Pa., to continue his education. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1962. His professional career spanned 61 years. During this time, he was part of numerous patents, honored with many awards and distinctions but the part that was most rewarding to him was the camaraderie he shared with his family of coworkers. Ron continued his career at Westinghouse and his family moved to Glenwood, Md. He retired from Westinghouse after 25 years, but did not slow down. He went on to accept a position at Tocco, Inc. in Detroit, Mich., and a couple of years later took a position with Ajax/Tocco, Inc. in Boaz, Ala. While work brought him to Alabama, once settled Ron found love and companionship with his long-time partner Brenda Daniel. They enjoyed golf, the Gulf and spending time with her family. Although his family was geographically dispersed – Denmark, Alaska, Wisconsin, Maryland, Alabama and Iowa. Ron made the effort and time to stay connected with family. While work brought him to Alabama, once settled Ron found love and companionship with his long-time partner Brenda Daniel. He was strong on tradition and family values; this can be seen in the many family reunions at the family farm and Alabama. His efforts rivaled Woodstock with RV’s, tents, pools, tire swings, hayrack rides, motorized toys, and good food. Because of this, we are blessed with cherished memories of long summer days, hilarious moments and the love and warmth that big family provides.

He is survived by sons, Brian Stewart Akers; Brent Ronald Akers and wife Paula; Blake Ralph Akers; and Barry Lance Akers and wife Catherine; sister, Dianne Graham and husband Bob; sister-in-law, Pat Akers; and brother-in-law, George Berger.

He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Sebastian, Cassandra, Victoria, Kevin, Sean, Jared, Cameron, Abigail, Matthew, Madison and Jamison, who were his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Alice Akers; grandson, Sebastian Akers; his first wife, Beverly Akers; sister, Judith Berger; long-time partner, Brenda Daniel; and brother, Donald Akers.