ELKHART – Richard L. Akers, 87, died Sept. 30, 2026 in Elkhart.

He was born Oct. 3, 1938 to Richard Akers and Bernice (Peters) Akers.

He graduated with the Elkhart High School Class of 1956. He later attended Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Okla., where he graduated as an airline service mechanic.

He  married Sally Kay Fowler June 25, 1960. She survives.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 through 1963.

When the couple moved back to Elkhart, he went to work with his father at the family business and later purchased The Pioneer Men's Store until the store was sold in the mid-1980s.

He worked for Farm Bureau as the agent for Morton County from the early 1990s until his retirement.

Early in his life he was a pilot, and for a time he worked for Cessna in Wichita.

He was one of the founding members of the Elkhart Volunteer Fire Department and served many terms on the Elkhart City Council.

He was a member of the First Church of God in Elkhart and was a great baritone or bass singer in the Church of God Men's Quartet. He served on the board of Trustees of the church and was the head usher for many years. He also served as the president of the EHS Booster Club, and president of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors also include daughter, Amy Kathleen Akers Smith and husband, Jade Smith; sons, Steven Scott Akers and Timothy Eric Akers; granddaughters, Eirland Akers, Eden (Akers) Svendsgaard and husband, Isaac, and Kenley Smith; step-grandson Luke Smith; step-granddaughter, Sarai Williams, and husband, Nick, and their children, Selah, Truett, and Lily Joy; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Akers; sister-in-law Ellen Akers; and in-law, Mack Fowler and Marvell (Kemp) Fowler.

• Funeral services took place Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 at First Church of God in Elkhart.

Burial took place at the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart.

Memorials are suggested to First Church of God in Elkhart, or Morton County Historical Museum in Elkhart, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO. Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.

Condolences may be left at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.