Bedford Times-Press, Wednesday, September 18, 1996

LESTER NEAL AKERS

Services for Lester Neal Akers, 89, were held September 12 at the Novinger-Taylor Funeral home with Pastor Jamie Mogler officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Mr. Akers died September 10, 1996 after an illness at Clarinda Municipal hospital in Clarinda, Iowa.

Lester Neal Akers was the son of Espy and Iva Brand Akers and was born in their home of rural Gravity, Iowa on May 11, 1907. He went to school in Gravity and later farmed with his father on the family farm.

On February 10, 1931, at the Presbyterian parsonage in Clarinda, Iowa he married Myrtle Blanche Stephens of Bedford. They made their first home on a farm they rented northeast of Gravity, Iowa. On March 17, 1936 their son, Norman Dale was born. On January 7, 1940 a daughter, Janet Kay blessed their union. In 1942 they moved to their own farm home seven miles west of Bedford in Mason Township. Here they lived their remaining days together, until his wife's ill health forced her to live in the Bedford Manor. While in the Manor, Lester faithfully continued caring for her daily until her death in 1987. He continued living on the farm until recently when his own declining health brought him to the Bedford Manor as well.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, L.D. Akers. Left to cherish his memory are his two children and their families. First, son Norman and Karen Akers of St. Joseph, Missouri, also with their children: Rick and Sheryl Akers with their children, Ryan and Kevin of St. Joseph, Missouri; Roger and Tamara Akers with their children, Tara, Jonathan, Samuel, Alison and Julia of Gladstone, Missouri; Julie and David McFarland and son Mark of Maryland Heights, Missouri. Second, daughter, Janet Kay Akers Livingston and her husband Marion of Hiawatha, Iowa, along with their children: Jerry and Lisa Livingston with their children, Jennifer and Janet Danae of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Kenneth and Jolene Livingston with their children, Calissa, Jonathon, Cayla and David of Marion, Iowa; James and Kamala Livingston with their children, Matthew and Amanda of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Tina and James Michael Davis with their children, Benjamin and Joshua Davis of Hiawatha, Iowa. He is also survived by a sister, Inez Tribolet, and a sister-in-law, Elva Akers.

Lester was a member of the Farm Bureau during his farming years. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Bedford, having been a member for 66 years. Here he had served faithfully in his prime years on many of the church boards and being an encouragement to many. He is remembered for his deep faith in Jesus Christ, which was reflected in his godly character. It was said his word was his handshake. His farm and his family were his life. He loved horses, raising them, breaking them and working them. He also loved woodworking. As for his other love, his family, every effort was made to let them know they were a priority. One phrase he was fond of voicing to his family was, "I just love my family so much, every one of them." These were rich words to his family members.

Lester was a loving, kind and patient father and grandfather. He lived his life after the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ.