Richard "Lightning" Eakins

July 4, 1941 - September 21, 2018

Richard Laverne “Lightning” Eakins, 77, of Drakesville, Iowa passed away on September 21, 2018 at Centerville Specialty Care in Centerville, Iowa. He was born July 4, 1941 in Udell, Iowa to Homer Weslie and Mary Ruth Ashcroft Eakins. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1959 and married Patsy Louise Henderson on December 27, 1963 in Bloomfield. Patsy passed away in April of 1982. Richard worked for John Morrell Company in Ottumwa for several years before the plant closed then drove a dump truck for several area companies. He was hard working and drove a truck for many years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and spending time with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews giving them rides on motorcycles and four-wheelers. He was very sociable and loved talking to people over coffee and at family events. He is survived by his daughter, Maria Elena Eakins of Oskaloosa, Iowa; two grandchildren, Chastity (Chris) McNabb of Bloomfield, Robert Carter of Oskaloosa; three great-grandchildren, Alexis McNabb, Elizabeth McNabb, Matthew McNabb; special friend, Elizabeth McNamar; and five siblings, Betty Helmick of Marion, Iowa, Bill (Janice) Eakins of Pulaski, Iowa, Dave (Cindy) Eakins of Bloomfield, Jack (Red) Eakins of Bloomfield, and Gary (Sheryl) Eakins of Elkhart, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three siblings, James Eakins, Ralph Eakins, Alice Enlow; and an uncle, Harold Ashcraft. A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Bloomfield Fire Department. Private family burial of the cremated remains will be at the Ormanville Cemetery in Wapello County, Iowa. A memorial has been established to Centerville Specialty Care and mailed to 1208 Cross St., Centerville, Iowa 52544.