Richard Kelly Akin was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 18, 1944. At the age of 9 months, he was adopted by Wilburn and Helen Akin. The family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana. His Dad was an accountant for Arkansas Louisiana Gas and Helen was a homemaker. These wonderful parents made sure that Richard was raised Catholic and received a quality education at St. John's grade school and Jesuit High School. He participated in swimming and football and graduated from high school in 1962. After graduation he moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Joan Nina Tipery and had two wonderful children, Richard Tipery Akin, DDS, MD of Baton Rouge and Kelly Susan Gilley of Sandy Springs, Georgia. His children's spouses, Bridget Stampley and Matthew Gilley are remarkable parents and life partners. His children have blessed Richard and Joan with 6 grandchildren, Sarah, Julia, Rich, Jason, Tyler and Anna. He received his college education at Loyola in New Orleans and Centenary College in Shreveport. He graduated from Loyola Dental School in 1968. He received his Oral Surgery training at Charity Hospital and obtained his oral and maxillofacial surgery certificate in 1971. After graduation at age 26 he was fortunate to practice in Algiers, Louisiana and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi until a week before his death. He was honored to be on the staff of Ochsner Hospital and Clinic for 26 years. He was a Clinical Associate Professor at LSU Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery his entire professional life. He has always loved dentistry, privileged to care for his patients and having the opportunity of working with many very dedicated physicians and dentists. He belonged to numerous dental and oral and maxillofacial surgery organizations and was devoted to his family and oral surgery his entire life. He was entering his 47th year of private practice. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Boulevard, Metairie, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jack Kent Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation, 2003 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71201, 318-388-2621. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Jul. 1 to Jul. 3, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Akin

31 Entries

October 22, 2019

Dr. Richard Akin was an awesome Dentist. He really cared about me as a patient and my need for a shot rather than the gas. He was very skilled and I was very sad when I heard of his passing. God, please take good care of Dr Akin because he is a good man and would be a great angel for you.

Devon

Bay Saint Louis, MS.

Charlene Thompson

December 27, 2018

Ricky, Kelly and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, my dad used to keep us up to date on who passed so I'm sorry I did not realize it until now (upon seeking his services for my mom). We have wonderful memories of you all as children and your sweet, loving parents. Hugs to all,
Charlene Foto Thompson

Karen Niklaus

August 2, 2018

I was a patient of his and so were many of my friends. We were shocked to learn of Dr. Akin's passing. Everyone adored him. My/our deepest sympathy, Karen Niklaus in New Orleans

Felecia Roberts

July 10, 2018

I'm sorry for your loss he did a great job extracting the right side of my wisdom teeth I was very scared at first until I met him and looked forward to him doing the rest but sadly I just found out he has passed he even called me a few days after on his own time to check and see how I was doing he was a great man and again I'm sorry for your loss

Kenny and Martha Conrad

July 9, 2018

I've only known Dr. Akin for a short time. He was always so kind and upbeat about everything. I loved talking with him and the fact that he was a huge Tiger fan didn't hurt either. I know his employees and patients will miss him terribly.

Karen Vincent

July 8, 2018

Dr. Akin literally changed my life in 1983 when he reconstructed my jaw to repair damage from a bike accident. It was a complicated case, but he never gave up on me and while I had so many crazy things happen that he frequently threatened to jump out of the window, I always knew he would see me through. There was not a kinder man who ever walked this Earth. Once when I was a little shaky after a procedure he drove me home. I don't know of another doctor who would even think of doing that. Over the years I found myself back in his office for help with repercussions of the original injury and he always made it right. I truly loved him with all of my heart. He was not just my doctor, but also my friend and I will miss him forever.

Stephen and Patricia Houin

July 6, 2018

So sorry for your loss. He holds a special place in our hearts.
The Stephen Houin Family.

July 4, 2018

I met Dr Akin at UMC when I was a nurse there. He not only made me smarter, but he told wonderful stories about his life. Prayers for his family. Julie Medina

July 3, 2018

I had the honor of training under Dr. Akin - Daddy Akin as we called him. He is a truly inspirational surgeon and teacher. He was very practical and used proven methods to help his patients. I use his teachings every day in my practice. His legacy will be remembering his human compassion and drive for excellence.
Love ya

Mike and Colleen Block

Carol Stuckey

July 3, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr Akin was one of the finest people I've known professionally and a wonderful colleague.
He took the greatest care of my patients for several decades. His passing is a loss for all of us.

July 3, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Dr.Akin at Ochsner in the OR
He was always a gentleman and kind to his patients.
The father of one of the techs that worked with him passed away unexpectedly and she could not afford to fly home.
Drs Akin and Walters paid for her ticked.
You never forget kind things done for other people
Fay Vincent

Kathy Matthews

July 3, 2018

Dr. Akin was one of the kindest man I've ever known. My daughter and I both were patients of his; we felt like we were given exceptional care. My prayers go out to his family and his staff. He was an amazing man. My sincere condolences.

Naomi Anderson

July 3, 2018

May he rest in peace. Best Dental surgeon ever. Very caring. A sweet man. He will be missed.

Nancy Ericksen

July 3, 2018

When I learned of Dr Akin's passing I was saddened that such a great man and skilled oral surgeon had left this life. My family was among his many patients here in Algiers and for us there was no one quite like him. Kind, caring and understanding with a teenager and equally caring with me when I needed bone grafts and implants. We will miss him.
He has fought the good fight and now his crown has been earned and he is with the Lord. My prayers and condolences to his family, coworkers and friends.

Judy Piazza

July 2, 2018

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Akin's passing, he was an amazing and caring surgeon. Please accept my condolences and prayers for the family. May God comfort you at such a difficult time.

July 2, 2018

Dedicated surgeon and a very caring soul.
May you rest in peace, one of many patience's that you cared for.
Lloyd

Susan Deter

Sent Flowers

Susan &Russell Deter

July 2, 2018

So sad I cant be with you. I love you all so much.

Marie Rie Rie Willoughby

July 2, 2018

I will miss our conversations very much, Dr. Akin. I'm a lucky girl to have gotten to know you and learn some valuable life perspectives from you and discussing our love for Cajun cooking and restaurant suggestions. Now, you may rest those joints and be free of pain. Prayers for Dr. Akin's immediate family and family of coworkers. He spoke of you all often, and loved you all so mucH. ❤

Enoch and Fran Dawkins

July 2, 2018

As long time patients of Dr. Akin, we were saddened to hear of his passing. We held him in high esteem. We trusted him and always felt comfortable in his care. He was a gentle man who treated our family with kindness. We will miss him.

Rose Brooks

July 2, 2018

Now I know there are Angels in heaven, he truly cared for his patients and everyone who came in contact with him. My heart goes out to his family, friend and coworkers. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you all. There will never be another like him. I know from personal experience what a special person he was what a wonderful man and now an angel.

Kay Hall Palombo

July 2, 2018

He was the most amazing man. He took such professional and kind care of me and my family. He will be greatly missed. Dr. Akin, you were one of my heroes! Thank you being a great dentist, a good man, and kind soul.

July 2, 2018

So happy to have met such a sweet and kind gentleman not too long ago. I had always heard such nice things about him.
Sessie Manieri
BSL, MS

BEVERLY BECNEL

July 2, 2018

What a Great Man who's family was everything to him. Thank you for being a Great Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and Teacher.
I learned so much from you in the 14 years I worked for you in Algiers. You were the most kind, compassionate doctor and friend, and all of your patients and staff loved you.
I will always remember you and Joan.
May your soul rest in peace.

Thelma and Ken Rohbock

July 2, 2018

Dr. Aiken will be greatly missed by all who knew him. An outstanding oral surgeon and a fine man. Sending our condolences.

Vanessa Favre, RN

July 2, 2018

Thank you for being such a overwhelming wonderful caring soul for everyone, especially special needs patients. We will all miss you. You were one of kind, unreplaceable. Prayers for family and friends.

Vance Wascom DDS

July 2, 2018

Richard was a great friend and humanitarian, he donated his office, equipment, supplies and staff and together we did many cases for citizens with developmental disabilities. I will miss him.

Amy Bulot

July 1, 2018

Heaven may have gained an angel but we lost an angel here on earth. Dr. Akin, you truly were one of a kind and I am very grateful for everything that you have done for me and my family. You are truly loved and you will forever be missed by many. RIP Dr. Akin.... we miss you and always will.

Paula Aston

June 30, 2018

Richard was a complex and intense man that I held in such high esteem. He had great heart, rescuing animals in need, helping patients who could not easily afford treatment. I loved his outspokenness and authenticity. He was a fabulous chef and I will always remember the Daube he made me for my birthday. Godspeed, Richard....You are missed...

Vic Trammell

June 29, 2018

Just a note on Richard. I trained in New Orleans in early 80s. Spent 8 months with Richard at oschner. He was very influential in my life and surgery training. He was the perfect role model for young oral surgeons. He had great surgical skills, clinical reasoning, and compassion for his patients. Im so thankful I had that opportunity to work with him and learn from him. Sorry for your loss. God bless, Vic Trammell
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