Former Wayland High School teacher, coach and athletic director Richard L. Akers died Friday, Aug. 2, in Sallislaw, Okla.
He was born on June 23, 1940, in Shelbyville, to Mildred (Fleser) Bastian and Jesse He married Robin Lee Barker on June 29, 1974, in Greenville. He had a master’s degree in education. He coached the varsity baseball team in 1974 and was athletic director from 1971 to 1978. After that he was proprietor of the State Farm Insurance firm on West Superior Street in Wayland.
Surviving him, besides his wife, are daughter Kara Akers Mayfield and Scott of Sallisaw, OK; a son, Christopher Richard Akers of Sallisaw; three grandchildren: Cole Mayfield, Cash Mayfield and Kamryn Mayfield; a sister: Sandra Hoyt of Martin, and numerous other relatives and friends
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Francis Martin and a brother: Lewis Robert Akers.
Cremation services were under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.
Memorial donations may be sent to Wayland Union School Athletic Boosters, 850 E. Superior St., Wayland, MI 49348.
