Kenneth Ernest Akins, Sr

FAMILY'S REQUEST: IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS CAN BE MADE VIA ZELLE TO 773-510-5740 OR VENMO: Larken-Akins Kenneth Ernest Akins Sr. (Kenny A. or Ken as he was called by friends, but Kenneth by his family) was the third of 7 children born to Benjamin Franklin Akins Sr. and Ernestine Wallace Akins on June26, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Kershaw and Juliette G. Lowe elementary schools and graduated from Englewood High School in 1969. After briefly attending North Park University in Chicago, he transferred to the University of Illinois in Urbana- Champaign (U of I) where he studied Computer Programming. Kenneth Sr. joined the historic Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. (KAY), Beta Chapter in Spring 1971 K.S. Unsinkable Unthinkables, where he met and influenced many. He was a dedicated member of the organization, enjoyed every aspect of the brotherhood, and recently celebratedhis 50th year of membership. He was a financial member of the Chicago Alumni Chapter of KAY. Upon departure from the U of I, Kenneth worked various computer programming and technical business jobs. Growing up, Kenneth Sr. was very athletic. He excelled in track and field and was the halfback on his high school football team. After his college years, he played in a local league with several of his friends from high school and college. Kenneth Sr. also enjoyed jogging and tennis. Kenneth Sr. accepted Christ at a young age. He confirmed his devotion to the Lord at Englewood United Methodist Church in Chicago, IL, and was a member up until his death. Kenneth Sr. was a great father to his three beautiful and strong children that he shared with his former wife Debra Jean Akins (Debbie/Deb). He taught his children the ways of the world and how to not only learn from the good deeds of others but also their mistakes so that they can grow and prosperin life. Kenneth Sr. was a social and loyal man, and his personality is reflected in his children. Kenneth Sr. had a strong love and respect for his children, who took care of him up until his last moments. Amongst other things, Kenneth Sr. Enjoyed fishing and traveling with his family. He always made time to spend with family at whichever building they were congregating, either 63rd Place, Beasley, 88th street, 67th Street, or even specific homes on holidays or special occasions, he was there with his kids. Kenneth Sr. also enjoyed watching the boxing fights, NBA Finals, Superbowl and other sporting events with his sons, frat brothers, and other friends. He looked forward to the annual KAY picnics and just spending time with those who related to him the most. Kenneth Sr. loved spending his time with his children, he never missed any movie days, performances, parent-teacher conferences, games, graduations, or other achievements. He was proud of them and their continued accomplishments. He loved talking about them. His granddaughters were a blessing to him, he enjoyed loving them and watching them grow. He was a devoted and dedicated father and grandfather. On Thursday, November 17, 2022, following a courageous battle with lifelong injuries from a heinous crime that took place in 2005, Kenneth Sr. was called to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death byhis parents: Benjamin Franklin Akins Sr. and Ernestine Wallace Akins, his brothers: Benjamin Franklin Akins Jr. (Mariann) and Dennis Gene Akins, and his sisters: Brenda Ferrell (Harvie) and Denise Jean Akins. Cherishing his many memories are his former wife: Debbie/Deb, his children, daughter: Larken Sharon Akins (also known to him as Lump and at times Bump), sons: Kenneth Ernest Akins Jr. And Matthew Darius Akins, his granddaughters: Alina Assata Akins and Aziza Auset Akins, sisters: Sheila Akins and Kim Patrice Akins, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Kenneth Ernest Akins, Sr

June 26, 1951 - November 17, 2022