Stephen Wallace Akers

Stephen “Steve” Wallace Akers, age 56, of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on December 8, 2012 in the Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri. He demonstrated much bravery and courage throughout his long chronic illness and cancer. He was born on May 27, 1956 in Cabool, Missouri, to Wallace C. Akers and Irene (Curtis) Akers.
Steve attended school in Mtn. Grove and graduated from Mtn. Grove High School in 1974. Following graduation, he worked several years for Frisco-Burlington Railroad and also with his father, who was a brick mason in the Mtn. Grove area. He was united in marriage to Leisha L. Dodds on October 14, 1984 in Mtn. Grove. Two children were born to this union, Steven Andrew and Stephanie Alisha.
Shortly after their marriage, Steve and Leisha moved to Lynden, Washington, where he was employed by Lynden Tank Company for twenty years, which was a stainless steel fabrication company. They manufactured stainless steel tankers from the wheels up. He started this job as a polisher, moved to being a welder and then on to being General Manager.
Steve moved back to his home town of Mtn. Grove in April of 2006 to be near his family, because his father was seriously ill. In July of 2006, he went to work for L & R Industries in Cabool, Missouri as a metal fabricator.
Steve had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories and jokes to his friends. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing, especially during white bass season. He also loved working with his hands. His greatest joy was coaching his son’s and daughter’s AAU baseball, soccer and basketball teams when they were young. He liked working with other youth making a difference in their lives.
Steve had attended Calvary Temple Church in the past, where he also enjoyed volunteering at the Love Center there whenever he was able.
He was a loving and caring son, brother, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father: Wallace Akers; and by his grandparents.
He is survived by his loving and devoted mother: Irene Lawler and his step-father: Farris Lawler, of Mtn. Grove; his son: Stephen Andrew Akers; his daughter: Stephanie Alisha Akers; one grandson: Lucas Akers, all of the State of Washington; one brother: Kelly Joe Akers and his wife, Leslie; a niece, Erin Akers; a nephew: Seth Akers, all of Mtn. Grove; his children’s mother; one step-brother: Timothy Lawler and his wife, Becky; a step-niece: Mandy Lawler, all of Marion, Arkansas; two step-nephews: Chris and Bradley Eckman of Greenbrier, Arkansas; a very special friend: Cindy Brown; a special cousin: Susan Akers, who along with his mother, spent many hours taking loving care of him; several aunts; uncles; cousins; and many friends.

Funeral Services:
Wednesday

Visitation:
Tuesday, December 11th