Donald Robert Adkins

Donald Robert Adkins, age 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and encourager to all, passed away on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023. He was born August 2, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas to Mildred Kathleen (Moreland) Adkins and Roy Patrick Adkins.

Don spent 39 years as professional staff for the Boy Scouts of America. He was Council Scout Executive in Ardmore, OK and Tyler, TX. He joined the national staff of BSA in 1983 in Dallas, TX, and retired as Area Director for Oklahoma, Arkansas and North Texas in 1994. He was honored with the Silver Beaver Award after his retirement.

He joined Rotary in Mineola, Texas in 1956. He belonged to clubs where his career in scouting took him to Jacksonville, Marshall and Tyler, Texas. In Oklahoma he served as president of the Ardmore Club. He joined the Norman Club in 1994.

In 1997 Don led a Group Study Exchange to the Philippines. He served on the District RYLA Committee and as a camp counselor. He and his wife Dot hosted students from seven countries through the Rotary Exchange Program. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was District 5770 Governor in 2001-2002.

Through Don’s volunteer activities, he served all ages. Among his greatest pleasures, he read to children in the “Success by Six” reading program. He chaired the Leaders Plus Program for the Norman Chamber of Commerce. He served his alma mater, Eastern Oklahoma State College, as Trustee for 10 years and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006. The boards of the Red Cross, United Way and other community agencies have benefited from his service. When Money magazine ranked Norman, OK the sixth best city to live in the U.S., he was named “One of the Six People You Should Know in Norman.” He is a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the All-Service Championship football team in 1954.

He was a deacon in the First Baptist Church in Norman, OK. There he served many years as director of the senior adults.

Don leaves behind his wife Dot (Willis) Adkins; son, David Patrick Adkins and wife Kelly of Norman; daughter, Donna (Adkins) Troop and husband Dr. Keith Troop of Ardmore. Also, six grandchildren, Lauren (Adkins) Cornwell and husband Dr. Ben Cornwell of Norman, Lane (Adkins) Krattiger and husband Jake of Norman, Cole Adkins and wife Jessica of Fort Worth, Hannah (Troop) Forbes and husband Adam of Richardson, Sarah (Troop) Shojaian and husband Jared of Dallas, and Dr. Tyler Troop of Ardmore. Also, 16 great grandchildren.

Don believed that you get out of life what you put into it. His was a life well served.

In lieu of flowers, Don wanted donations made in his name to: First Baptist Church Building Fund, Don & Dot Adkins Scholarship Fund or Boy Scouts of America (Local council of Choice).

Service will be livestreamed.