Kenneth Allen Adkins Sr., Master Chief, USN (Ret.)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Master Chief Kenneth Allen Adkins Sr., a devoted Husband, Father, Grand Father, Great Grandfather, Brother and Friend; who passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 71.

A native of Lee Summit, Missouri, born on 1/19/1954. Kenneth dedicated 20 years to the Silent Service of the United States Submarine force; serving with distinction aboard the USS Shark, USS Sea Devil, and USS Mariano G. Vallejo. Achieving the rank of Master Chief, he was an exemplary leader who earned numerous awards and the deep respect of his crew. To those who served alongside him, Kenneth was a mentor and a friend; to his country, he was a guardian of the deep. While the Navy was his calling, his family was his world. Kenneth was the beloved
husband of Donia G. Adkins for 38 years—a partnership built on unwavering love. As a father and grandfather, he traded his service for a heart of gold, serving as a pillar of strength for his children and a source of endless joy for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Betty Adkins, his brother Raymond Adkins, and granddaughter Hailey Marie Adkins.

His legacy of Honor, Integrity and Devotion lives on through his wife, Donia; his children, Kenneth (Joie) Adkins II, Jerod (Brandy) Adkins, Kenneth Ritter, Tiffany Hansen (Brennan Reine), and Sherry (Henry) Clayton; his brother Terry (Roberta) Adkins; and 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren who were his greatest pride.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys, GA on January 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

The family invites you to share memories and condolences on the funeral home's website to celebrate a life lived with honor and deep love.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.