Joe graduated from Monticello High School in 1960 and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello (Arkansas A&M) in 1961. Joe was a retired Job Superintendent for the Arkansas State Highway Department after 30 years of dedicated service. In addition to being preceded in death by his father and mother, he was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister, Earl Akin, James Edward Akin and Juanita Akin Halley.
Joe was a devout Christian and a member of Northside Baptist Church. He was also a member of Eureka Lodge #40 F & A M as well as a member of the Eureka Chapter of the Eastern Star. He was a Scottish Rite 32 degree mason and a former Shriner.
Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Paschall Akin; two sons, Kenneth Wayne Akin & wife Allison of Havana, Arkansas; Joe Thomas Akin, Jr. of Frisco, Texas; three grandchildren, Ryan Jeffrey Akin and Haley Marie Akin of Russellville, Arkansas, Megan Ann Conrad and husband Richard of Belleville, Arkansas; and one great grandson, Drake Conrad of Belleville, Arkansas. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews that were very special to him and for whom he prayed every day.
A private family graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Due to the Covid-19 protocol, extended family members may remain in their cars during the service and a drive-by viewing will be available after the service. For those that live away, a live stream broadcast of the service will be available on Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home's website. Simply click on Joe's name on the home page and the video will be available at the bottom of his obituary.
Memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church, P. O. Box 3, Monticello, AR 7l655. You are also invited to sign Joe's online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(46)
Melanie Aiken
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 18, 2020 Such a great man! Prayers for the family! He definitely will be missed!Steve Karnes
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 18, 2020 I have a lot of wonderful memories of Joe. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayer to all the Akin family.GW & Bonnie Cowling
Lockesburg, AR Thursday, April 16, 2020 Our hearts go out to you, Barbara, and your family. Joe was a fine man and loved his family and friends dearly. May God wrap his arms around each of you and give you strength in the lonely times ahead. Our love to you.Linda Carpenter
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 16, 2020 Barbara and family I am so sorry to hear about Mr.Joe. I always enjoyed talking to him . He was such a nice man and friendly every where you saw him. He will be greatly missed .Beatrice Tucker
Wilmar, AR Thursday, April 16, 2020 Barbara and Family,I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Joe. I know your heart is broken but know he is in Heaven and in no pain. May God grant each of you comfort, strength and peace as you continue on without him. Thanks so much for the times you all visited Larry. You are in my prayers.
Hilda Hancock Malpica
Conway, AR Thursday, April 16, 2020 Barbara, I was sorry to read of Joe’s death. My prayers are with you and your family.George R. Franks, Jr.
Tyler, TX Thursday, April 16, 2020 I am very sorry to read about Joe's passing, he was a very good man and a hard worker. I know he loved his family very much and will be missed by them and many others. May God grant you His peace and comfort your hearts.Timothy Forrest
monticello, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 So sorry to hear about Mr. Joe Akin Sr.'s passing. Not having power or internet it's hard to keep up. Our prayers are with Mr. Joe's family.Prayers,
Timothy Forrest
judy and Jack Lassiter
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Sorry for your loss. We lost a great man and friend.Gay Rabb Griffith
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Barbara and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Heaven is a brighter place with his presence. He was a very kind and thoughtful person. He was faithful to visit my Joe Griffith. We looked forward to his visits. Keep moving forward as he would want you to to honor his life. May You feel God’s presence and His peace in the days, weeks, months and years to come.So thankful we could say he was our friend!! With my love and friendship. Gay
Cindy McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 So sorry for your loss of Mr. Joe. My prayers are with y’all during this time.Johnny and Peggy Williams
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Barbara and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Joe was a very special guy, loved by many. May God bless and comfort each of you. With love Johnny and Peggy Williams.Ken and Brenda Kendrick
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 So sorry for your loss. You will continue to be in our prayers.Chad & Brooke Gardner
Benton, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Joey and family,We are so sorry about the loss of Mr. Joe. We are praying for peace and comfort for you during this difficult time.
Cody and Holly Curry
Warren, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all in the days ahead.Cherry Cotham
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.Susanne Cox Grice
Warren, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Prayers for your familyDorothy McDonnell
Gainesville, FL Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Barbara and family, so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed.Dorothy & Jim
Ben and Martha Novak
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Joe was a wonderful supervisor and a very dear friend. He will be greatly missed.Martha Ryburn
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Barbara, Kenny, Joey and families, I was so sorry to hear about Joe. I always considered him a good friend. He had a great smile and he liked to tease. He never failed to speak to me and give me a hug. Prayers for all of you.Mary Cathryn DFlemister
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 I was sorry to hear about Joe . If I can do anything I will be glad to Sorry I did not know he was bad.Dan Robins
Charleston, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Fort Smith Officials Association are praying for you and your family at this difficult time.Jim Nichols
Lufkin, TX Tuesday, April 14, 2020 So sorry to hear about Joe. He was a good friend for years and I'm going to miss talking to him on the phone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.Jim & Barbara Nichols
Roger Pearce
Russellville, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Aiken’s passing. My prayers are with your familyKirby and Loretta
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Barbara , we are so sorry for your loss . We will always remember Joe’s infectious laugh and his ability to connect with people .GAIL HOOKER
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Ms. Barbara,You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Joe was a good man and will truly be missed.
Reathel Privett
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Mrs. Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.James and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Akin FamilyWe are sorry for your loss. Our prayers for each of you.
James and Kathy Berry M.H.S.C. of 1960
Barbara Posey
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 14, 2020 So sorry to hear about Bro. Joe. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Bettye and Jimmy Johnson
Pine Bluff, FL Tuesday, April 14, 2020 You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Bettye and Jimmy JohnsonJoanne G. Stark
, AR Monday, April 13, 2020 So sorry for you loss. May the Lord be with you and Bless each of you at this sad time.Ron Jackson
Havana, AR Monday, April 13, 2020 Our prayers are with you! Your hope and peace will come from God!Calvin & Cendye Halley
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, AR Monday, April 13, 2020 Aunt Barbara, Kenny, Joey & families, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Joe was a very special man and will be missed dearly.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, April 13, 2020 Barbara,I am so sorry to hear about Joe. What a delightful and good man God has taken home. My heart is saddened for you all. May God give you peace and comfort at this time. God Bless!
With love & sympathy,
Janice
David and Carol McDougald
Wynne, AR Monday, April 13, 2020 Barbara and family, we are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful man. Heaven has gained a great person. Prayers for comfort for everyone. Lots of love.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Monday, April 13, 2020 Sorry for your loss. Mr. Joe had a smile every time I saw him. He will be missed.Dennis Wells
Patty Mitchell
MONTICELLO, AR Monday, April 13, 2020 I always will remember Joe’s big smile...he was always so nice!!! Prayers for Miss Barbara and the boys and family....I am so sorry for your loss.John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 12, 2020 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. Cherish all of your memories and find comfort in knowing you will see him again.Love,
John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, & Jared
Charles Thomason
Deer Park, TX Sunday, April 12, 2020 Joe, Im so proud that we were able to spend the time together on the phone,and eating barbra fine cooking while I was there! we spent our childhood growing up together and I'm so happy we wre able to get together before this.... R.I. P buddy and I hope to see you on the other side . charles ThomasonAlvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 12, 2020 To family: what a great guy. He was a friend that always was such a treat to visit with. Never passed our house if we were out....... he’d always honk. He will be missed. Love to allBarbara Newton
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 12, 2020 So sorry to hear about Mr Joe. He was a sweet man and I will always treasure his smile and his teasing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Kevin & Theresa Perrigen
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 12, 2020 Ms. Barbara, Kenny and Joey. We are so sorry for your loss. We loved Mr. Joe dearly. Prayers for comfort and strength.Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Sunday, April 12, 2020 Good friend for a long time, I’m sorry PrayersWanda Morphis
Star City, AR Sunday, April 12, 2020 Barbara I am so sorry to hear about Joe. You are in out thoughts and prayers. Joe has been in the lives of a lot of people. He will be missed by many LoveNiki Lasiter May
Grand Bay, AL Sunday, April 12, 2020 Mrs. Barbara, Kenny and Joey,I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. Prayers for you all during this time.
Love,
Niki
Sarah Blackmon
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 12, 2020 Barbara, I’m sending Deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your loved ones during this time of loss. May God’s love and grace be with you.