Ernest Ray Adkins

Ernest Ray Adkins of Duncan, Oklahoma passed from this life on February 17, 2025. He was 70 years old.

Following a private family burial, a memorial service will be held at Whitt Funeral Home Chapel at 2pm on Monday, February 24, with Reggie Creekmore officiating. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Travis Adkins, Bo Baggett, Titus Baggett, Jethro Baggett, Mike Bagg, Zayne Bagg, and Terry Dennis.

Ernest Ray Adkins was born May 22, 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Earl Ray and Lillian Irene (Reddout) Adkins. Ernie was raised in Perkins, Oklahoma and graduated from Perkins-Tryon High School in 1972. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University in 1976.

Ernie was united in marriage to Patricia "Patty" Rae Crumm on March 24, 1984 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They were married for 40 years. Patty was truly his best friend. Together they raised three children - Lisa Beth, Travis Scott, and Sara Rebecca.

Ernie spent 25 years working in various facets of business administration and accounting management before starting a new career in Information Technology in 2003. He worked for Duncan Regional Hospital as an IT Analyst until his retirement in 2018. While working at Duncan Regional Hospital, he spent his time traveling between Duncan, Lawton, and Altus providing technological support to Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma.

Ernie attended Velma Christian Fellowship. After his health issues began in 2017, one of Ernie's favorite scriptures became Isaiah 65:24 - "It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will listen." Ernie was a kind and patient man and made it a point to choose joy every day. He exhibited strength, courage, and humility in the face of adversity. Although he was limited in attending church due to health, he was a faithful prayer warrior from his recliner. He always expressed his gratefulness for the loving care Patty gave to him during the last 8 years of his life. One of the greatest gifts Ernie gave his family during his final days was telling them, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith".

Ernie is survived by his wife, Patty Adkins. He is also survived by his three children and their families: Mike and Lisa Bagg of Newkirk, Oklahoma; Travis and Sarah Adkins of Duncan, and Bo and Sara Baggett of Duncan. He is survived by six grandchildren: Bailey Bagg of Kaw City, Oklahoma; Zayne Bagg of Newkirk, Oklahoma; Elizabeth Baggett, Sophie Baggett, Titus Baggett, and Jethro Baggett of Duncan as well as two great-grandchildren: Bridger French and Averlee French of Kaw City, Oklahoma. Other survivors include four sisters: Beth Howey and husband Richard of Perkins, Oklahoma; Elaine Lynch and husband Michael of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Joyce Winston of Perkins, Oklahoma; Ellen Long and husband Tony of Chandler, Oklahoma. Additionally surviving are his brothers-in-law Robert McCaslin of Perkins, Oklahoma and Steve Frick of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law Vicki Covey and husband Jimmy of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Cindy Koster and husband John of Georgetown, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Evelyn McCaslin, brother-in-law Matthew Winston, and sister-in-law Penny Frick.

We owe a special thanks to Dr. James McGouran, Jamie from Duncan Regional Home Health, and Cathy Dalrymple. Your kindness while caring for Ernie has been so appreciated by his family.

Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.





 

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