Leslie Q. Adkins' Obituary
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, our world got a little quieter. Leslie "Les" Quinton Adkins of Holland peacefully passed away after spending his last few days at Harbor Hospice in Muskegon. Les was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Veteran, pilot, and friend.Les was a true extrovert. To meet Les was to become a friend with Les. He even knew employees by name at all his favorite businesses, and they knew him. But that was Les' way. He would talk to anyone and everyone, especially if he watched you drive up on a cool motorcycle or in a classic car.We will miss hearing his stories of his time in the US Navy. Les served on the USS Princeton during the Vietnam War. After his service in the military, Les worked as a police officer for the City of South Haven and then as a sheriff's deputy for Van Buren County until he found his true passion, flying. Les earned his private pilot's license and then his commercial pilot's license and became a crop duster flying for Robertson's Crop Dusting of South Haven. Les even got his helicopter endorsement to further his dusting career while working for Hilty Farms in Fairborn, Ohio. Unfortunately, a series of back injures and surgeries ended his flying career, and he stepped into the role of Mr. Mom. This allowed Les to be his children's biggest cheerleader, attending every school and sporting event. He never missed one, even if they wished that he would occasionally. This continued once he became a grandfather. You could frequently find him at school concerts, cheering loudly at soccer, baseball and basketball games or chaperoning a field trip.His own hobbies included fishing (both hook and magnet), hunting with his sons, reading about history, watching airplanes land and take off, and driving anywhere and everywhere. His love of the open road was also his favorite way to help people. If anyone ever needed a ride anywhere, he would take you. He also loved music and animals of all kinds. He rescued many turtles while exploring country roads.Les is survived by his wife of over 41 years, Anne, and his children Les (Cheryl) Ankersen, Kelly (Damian) Omness, and Quinton (Lisa) Adkins. Les will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Josh, Eric, Sam and Liz Ankersen; Isabel, Cael and Mia Omness; and Mason and Nora Adkins; and great-grandchildren Athena and Raven Ankersen. Les is also survived by mother-in-law Peggy Lykins, sister-in-law Barbara Miller and brother-in-law Stephen (Leigh) Lykins as well as many nieces and nephews. Les was preceded in death by his three caring aunts, Beulah, Louise and Maxine, who stepped up and raised him when his own parents failed. He was also preceded in death by his stepfathers Walter Smith (Smitty) and Donald Wenban, siblings Linda Burke and Jimmy Davis, in-laws Donald and Catherine Lykins, and brothers-in-law David Lykins and Chuck Miller. We can only imagine the shenanigans they will all get into now that they are reunited.A private family Celebration of Life will be held in June. Memorial contributions may be directed to Harbor Humane Society or Harbor Hospice of Muskegon.
Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services -- Muskegon Chapel -- (231)-722-5050
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