Harold D. Adkins, 85

Harold D. Adkins, 85, of Selbyville, Del., passed away Friday, Jan 20, 2012, at Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation Center in Millsboro, Del.

Born in Taylorville, Md., Adkins served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a fire controlman on the destroyer C.K. Bronson. His ship was anchored in the Tokyo Bay, 20 miles away, when Gen. MacArthur signed the peace treaty that ended the war. After being discharged from the Navy, he worked for Diamond State Telephone Co., where he retired as a switchman after 36 years. Adkins was a life member of the Verizon Pioneers and the Tin Can Sailors. He was also a lifetime endowment member of the NRA and an avid supporter of the Second Amendment.

Adkins was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Laura Wyatt Adkins; granddaughter, Lauren E. Johnson; and sister, Mary Anne Worthington. Remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anita E. Adkins of Selbyville; two daughters, Denise Adkins Hearn and her husband, Robert, of Georgetown, Del., and Donna A. Blackburn and her husband, Kirk, of Lewes, Del.; and two grandsons, Matthew and Timothy Blackburn.

A funeral service was scheduled for Jan. 24, 2012, at Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del., with interment at Roxana Cemetery in Roxana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Worcester County Humane Society; P.O. Box 48; Berlin, MD 21811.