Walter Franklin Adkins

       Walter Franklin Adkins (98) of Summersville, formally of Beckley West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on June 4th, 2025, surrounded by family. Born November 28th, 1926, at Royal WV. He was the son of the late Walter Jason Adkins and Letha Dora Adkins. He was also proceeded in death by two sisters, a wife Vera, and a son Gary J. Adkins of Meadow Creek, WV.

      He leaves behind a loving wife, Deborah; a son William Franklin Adkins, of Texas, a daughter Sue Ellen Rose (Robbie) of Lester, WV, stepchildren, Leandrea Toler of Summersville, WV, Adam Lester (Miranda) of Meadow Bridge, WV, Jonathan Lester (Tonya) of Crab Orchard, WV, and Joshua Lester (Brooklynn) of Summersville, WV. Grandchildren Jamie Adkins (Deliah), of North Carolina, Kristina Rose (Thomas), of Beckley, WV, Jonathan Rose, of Lester, WV, Charlie Dunbar, of VA.  Sean Workman (Brooke), of Summersville, WV, Linzie, Mckenzie, & Alexis, Makala & Isabella, Hayden, Skilynn, Brantley, & Mason and 12 great grandchildren.

      A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and veteran. Frank lived a long and courageous life marked by service, sacrifice, and love. With being the second longest living World War II veteran in West Virginia. Frank answered the call of duty early in life and went on to serve his country with honor and distinction in the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force. A proud veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, he exemplified bravery, resilience, and a deep sense of patriotism across three branches of the military and three major conflicts for 26 years. While in the Air Force he became a paratrooper with 300 parachute jumps and was also a medic. Frank was presented with several metals including the Soldiers Medal for Heroism, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Metal, Air Metal for Meritorious Achievement, among many others. He was known for his quiet strength, humble heart, and the wisdom he shared with those blessed to know him. He especially loved sharing stories and good conversation – always ready to share a memory.

       The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers through respite care and the kind nurses with Hospice Care.

      Services will be held at 11:00 am in the White-Anderson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Summersville, with Jeff Adkins officiating, on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, followed by full military honors to commemorate his incredible service to our nation at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 pm.  

      Condolences may be made to the family at our website www.whitefuneralhomewv.com

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