Obituary for Arthur Richard Adkins
Arthur Richard (Dick) Adkins, 93, of Bootjack, MI, went to be with the Lord on April 11, 2023, in Barrington, IL. Born December 24, 1929, in Chicago to James Henry Adkins IV and Katherine (Griffith) Adkins. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nancy Jean Benson - Honor, and wife Barbara (Burke).
Dick was a 1948 graduate of Nicholas Senn High School (Chicago) and graduated North Park College (Chicago) in 1950. He entered the United States Air Force and served as a Supply Sergeant in the Far Eastern Air Material Command during the Korean War 1951-1953.
On July 14, 1956, Dick married Barbara Del Burke, his high school sweetheart; spending their honeymoon at their family summer home in Bootjack, MI. He is survived by his son, James Henry Adkins V, Carrie Burke (Marc) Svendson, grandson James Henry Adkins VI, granddaughter Rose (Philip) Bukowski, grandson Erik Svendson, granddaughter EJ Svendson, great grandson Levi Andre Bukowski, niece Sharon McAlister and two nephews Brad and Scott Benson.
Dick’s marriage, family and business career commenced in 1956. The first position was with Campbell Soup as Marketing/Sales Trainee, a fine corporation and he was grateful for the opportunities. Several years later he was fortunate to secure a Sales position with Manhattan Shirt, expanding his knowledge into the soft goods industry.
He finally landed a position in the Advertising Industry as a Field Representative with Outdoor Advertising, Inc., the largest out-of-home media sales company in the United States. Had success with various promotions and ownerships and began a career that extended in excess of 30 years. “A good time was had by all.”
Dick retired at an early age to reside in Bootjack, MI and care for care for his wife, Barbara, who had health concerns. Their summer home was then converted to a year-round residence. Of all the trips made from Chicago to Bootjack, MI, the most memorable was sailing from Chicago to the family Dreamland dock on the “Carrie Burke”. He is proud of the 50+ years of deer hunting and snowmobiling out of Camp Buckwheat.
Along with the love for his wife and family, starting with his father buying him a dog at the age of 5, Dick carried on his ownership of many dogs throughout his lifetime who were considered members of the family.
He was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Calumet, MI, carrying on his wife’s family tradition.
Dick served as a Manager in Little League Football in Hudson, OH and a Little League Baseball Coach in the Village of Kildeer, IL, where he also served as Village Trustee for 20 years. He sat on the National Board of Directors with Ronald Reagan at Eureka College, Eureka, IL and was a member of the Longboat Chapel on Longboat Key, FL
Funeral to be held at 12:00 pm on Friday April 28, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church located at 26016 Depot Street, Calumet, MI 49913. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 9:30am-12:00 pm at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory to the following:
• JourneyCare Hospice Barrington, IL
• Faith Lutheran Church Calumet, MI
• Animal House Shelter Huntley, IL
• Bootjack Fire and Rescue, Bootjack, MI
The spring burial and graveside service for Dick will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 9:00 am in the Lakeview Cemetery, section 6.
Dick was a 1948 graduate of Nicholas Senn High School (Chicago) and graduated North Park College (Chicago) in 1950. He entered the United States Air Force and served as a Supply Sergeant in the Far Eastern Air Material Command during the Korean War 1951-1953.
On July 14, 1956, Dick married Barbara Del Burke, his high school sweetheart; spending their honeymoon at their family summer home in Bootjack, MI. He is survived by his son, James Henry Adkins V, Carrie Burke (Marc) Svendson, grandson James Henry Adkins VI, granddaughter Rose (Philip) Bukowski, grandson Erik Svendson, granddaughter EJ Svendson, great grandson Levi Andre Bukowski, niece Sharon McAlister and two nephews Brad and Scott Benson.
Dick’s marriage, family and business career commenced in 1956. The first position was with Campbell Soup as Marketing/Sales Trainee, a fine corporation and he was grateful for the opportunities. Several years later he was fortunate to secure a Sales position with Manhattan Shirt, expanding his knowledge into the soft goods industry.
He finally landed a position in the Advertising Industry as a Field Representative with Outdoor Advertising, Inc., the largest out-of-home media sales company in the United States. Had success with various promotions and ownerships and began a career that extended in excess of 30 years. “A good time was had by all.”
Dick retired at an early age to reside in Bootjack, MI and care for care for his wife, Barbara, who had health concerns. Their summer home was then converted to a year-round residence. Of all the trips made from Chicago to Bootjack, MI, the most memorable was sailing from Chicago to the family Dreamland dock on the “Carrie Burke”. He is proud of the 50+ years of deer hunting and snowmobiling out of Camp Buckwheat.
Along with the love for his wife and family, starting with his father buying him a dog at the age of 5, Dick carried on his ownership of many dogs throughout his lifetime who were considered members of the family.
He was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Calumet, MI, carrying on his wife’s family tradition.
Dick served as a Manager in Little League Football in Hudson, OH and a Little League Baseball Coach in the Village of Kildeer, IL, where he also served as Village Trustee for 20 years. He sat on the National Board of Directors with Ronald Reagan at Eureka College, Eureka, IL and was a member of the Longboat Chapel on Longboat Key, FL
Funeral to be held at 12:00 pm on Friday April 28, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church located at 26016 Depot Street, Calumet, MI 49913. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 9:30am-12:00 pm at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory to the following:
• JourneyCare Hospice Barrington, IL
• Faith Lutheran Church Calumet, MI
• Animal House Shelter Huntley, IL
• Bootjack Fire and Rescue, Bootjack, MI
The spring burial and graveside service for Dick will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 9:00 am in the Lakeview Cemetery, section 6.