Duard William Akins, 94, of Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Houston, Missouri, passed away April 9, 2009, in Springfield. He was born November 12, 1914, in Cabool, Missouri. Duard graduated from Houston High School in 1933. He was the owner of Akins Motor Company in Houston, Missouri for 47 years, before retiring in 1980. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Houston and Springfield, Missouri, and a member of the Lions Club, Houston City Council, a Shriner and a Mason. He enjoyed quail hunting, golf and playing card games. He was married to Dorothy Sue Coats for 50 years, she preceded him in death. He then married Vivian Kessinger. Duard was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Melva Akins Sr.; his brothers, Leonard Akins, Nolan Akins and Guy Akins Jr.; and his wife, Dorothy Sue Akins. He is survived by his wife, Vivian Akins. He is also survived by his son, Roger David Akins and his spouse, Linda; his daughter, Susan Ann Moberly and spouse, Wayne; his daughter, Nancy Elizabeth Brackett and spouse, Bob; step-children, Rick Kessinger, Beverly Thieme, Barbara Riebold, and all their children. Grandchildren are Christopher David Akins, Bethany Ann Davis, Courtney Ann Fannin, Robert Joshua Bump and Gabriel Christian Owen Brackett; great-grandchildren, Rylie Nicole Bump, Brandon Michael Davis, Natalie Marie Brackett and Karley Elizabeth Bump; and step-grandchildren, Michele Wilson and Curtis Gilmore. Funeral services will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home South, on Monday, April 13, 2009, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to service time on Monday, in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Abou Ben Adhem Shrine in memory of Duard W. Akins, 601 East St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806.

As per Springfield News Leader 4/12/2009