Vernon Akers

VERNON AKERS

Cedar Rapids

Vernon Alfred Akers, 86, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Living Center West in Cedar Rapids surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb., 22, 1929, in Alburnett, Iowa, to James and Edith (Young) Akers, the third of four children. Vernon graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids. His Uncle Eldon was his mentor. Vernon followed in his uncle's footsteps by joining the Marine Corps in 1948. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After returning to the states, he married Inez Jennings on Jan. 20, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, and had three beautiful children: Julia, David and Sandra.

Vernon was a craftsman and spent hours in his workshop. He enjoyed dancing, camping and traveling the United States, but mostly the warm states, where Inez could put her toes in the sand.

After retiring with 31 exemplary years with the Cedar Rapids Police Department, he and Inez split their time between Iowa and Mission, Texas. In Texas, Vernon enjoyed calling bingo and dancing. Inez passed away in 2002.

Having much love to share, Vernon married Leota Kline on July 1, 2005, at which time they moved to Anamosa, Iowa. Vernon and Leota spent their time dancing and baking. They also enjoyed a few winters in Mission, Texas, cutting up the dance floor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Inez; his parents; siblings, James Akers Jr., Rachel Long and Harley Akers; and grandson, Samuel Cox.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Leota; his children, Julia (John) Bernot, David Akers and Sandra (Martin) Cox; grandchildren, Angela (Don) Moseman, Kristina (Courtney) Good, Nathaniel Cox and Alex Cox; great- grandchildren, Kasandra Bernot, David Bernot, Charlie Good and Annabelle Moseman; and many nieces and nephews, along with Leota's extended family.

Services will be 3 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, where friends may call after 2 p.m. Paula Meyers, Cedar Memorial certified celebrant, will officiate. Entombment, with military rites and honors by the Cedar Rapids Police Honor Guard, will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Akers and Kline families would like to extend their sincere thanks to the UnityPoint Hospice team and the staff of Living Center West for all the love and care they showed to Vern and Leota.

Please leave a message or tribute to Vern's family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Cards may be mailed to the family at 515 Wilson Ave. Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.