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John T. Akers

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University of Cincinnati

John Akers Obituary

AKERS, John T.
January 30, 1947 - August 2, 2009
John, age 62, passed away on Aug. 2, 2009 after a short battle with cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife of 41 years, Connie; brothers, David, Denny; sisters, Freda Spears and Frances Cantrell; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorene and Denver; and sisters, Ernestine and Phyllis Rose. John served honorably in the US Air Force from 1967-70. After discharge, he attended Lees Junior College in Jackson, KY for an AA degree, Eastern Kentucky Univ. in Richmond, KY for a BS degree and the University of Cincinnati for a master's degree. In 1970, John became a Kentucky State Trooper and retired in 1986. He moved to California where he worked for NEC and later as an educator for the University of Phoenix and Chapman University teaching criminal justice. John was an avid hunter and fisherman and was usually accompanied by his dog, Buddy. Burial and memorial services have yet to be planned at the Sacramento Valley Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Dixon, CA. John will be sorely missed by his many friends and family members.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Akers

Sponsored by The Badal - Sweeney -Vail Families .

41 Entries

Bernadette McIntire

June 1, 2025

Connie, we were roommates at EKU and remember spending nice weekend at your home with you and your husband

Remember attending your graduation With my mother

Would enjoy connecting with you again

Bernadette McIntire

Lisa "LaDonna" Qualtieri

July 30, 2023

In the years that have passed it only seems I miss this fine person more and more.

David Akers

December 20, 2015

Christmas just around the corner John .t I seen your picture on the hearth. Connie has the place looking beautiful. I miss you so much.

David Akers

July 10, 2013

After Capt "Sully" landed the crippled plane in the Hudson, John told me that it had inspired him to be the best he could be at anything he tried to do. John was at his best long before that and now he inspires us to be our best. Your brother "David Darlin"

david akers

May 15, 2012

I had a really good dream about John the other night. I had stumbled into one ofl his word traps. I don't remember what was said, except that we both began laughing almost uncontrollably. I'll love him always. John T was my good friend besides being my brother. RIP John T..........D.D.

Lorraine Vail

August 4, 2010

I often get up and draw in the middle of the night, sometimes from photos, and sometimes I will just make up a face, I really don't know where they come from. But the other night, this one appeared(JTs Impish Grin) I had no idea he was there! I always felt a special connection with Johnny, hillbilly jokester fronting for an intelligent, sensitive man. Miss him dearly.

JT's Impish Grin

Lorraine Vail

August 4, 2010

August 2, 2010

It's been a year ... and good buddy
you are still in hearts and minds

George B. ,Terry V. & Joe S.

John and Buddy (received pic in Dec 08)

Karen Thorsett

July 24, 2010

I just learned of John's passing when I heard that a Univ of Phoenix conference was named in his honor. John was a wonderful man whose sense of humor and personality could light up a room. I enjoyed swapping dog stories with him in the faculty lounge and dog story e-mails once I left Sacramento. I know that John will live on in the hearts of fellow faculty and the many students he taught. The world is a better place for having had John in it.

Lisa Hunerlach

January 25, 2010

I only just discovered that Mr. Akers is now residing in Heaven. I was trying to reach him to tell him that I am going back to earn a Master's Degree. Thank you for being there for me, and for coming to my wedding, and for all the encouragement. God Bless you, Connie! xo Lisa

Don Moore

August 30, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Connie and the rest of John’s family. He was a good friend for over 40 years, having known him since the days in the 963rd AEW Squadron at McClellan AFB in Sacramento. We have shared many good times hunting coyotes in the mountains east of Sacramento and groundhogs later in Kentucky. My wife and I shared many good times with Connie and John. Memories and thoughts we will cherish forever. John, we will miss you.

John T at the University of Phoenix Graduation 2006- he was always there for his students.

August 27, 2009

Jennifer McPhee

August 23, 2009

I was a student of John Akers at the University of Phoenix in Sacramento. I enjoyed all the stories, especially the ones from his days as a trooper. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and only wish the best for his family in their time of sorrow.

Michelle Blevins

August 21, 2009

My heart goes out to all who knew and loved John T. He was one of my favorite instructors at UOP and more importantly he was a truly wonderful big-hearted person. He always had a playful smile for us, terrific jokes, and amusing anecdotes. He was a tough teacher, but very fair- he made you want to do better and I know I did because of him.
He was a rare person and the world is a lesser place without him. To me John T was never, as he used to tell us, "just a small dog on a different porch".

Nicole Wilson

August 21, 2009

John T was my instructor at UOP and his classes were always the most fun. he had great jokes and great stories. His passing is a tremendous loss for everyone who knew him. I am proud to have been his student and am a better person for having known him.

Gary Vaughn

August 20, 2009

CONNIE,MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW.

Gary Vaughn
KSP Class 42

Linda Thompson

August 18, 2009

Connie and family,
My sympathy is sent to each of you. You are in my prayers and thoughts. I enjoyed working with John at KSP in Dry Ridge, several years back. He was a kind and fun person to be around. Thanks for allowing me to speak to John the day I call. I am sure he did not feel well, but he made my day.
May God bless you as he holds you in the palm of His hands during this difficult time.

Found this thru the web -

your grateful student

August 18, 2009

John and Buddy

August 18, 2009

I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. We worked together as Troopers at Dry Ridge Post 6. We also had many conversations and shared techniques in the art of trapping. I am sure the fox population breathed easier when John left Grant County. Our thoughts are with you and your family Connie.

Mike Evans (610) Burlington, Kentucky.

Bob Scott

August 18, 2009

I am very sorry for your loss. John T. and I had many interesting discussions when we worked together at the Dry Ridge Post. He was a very interesting person. May God be with you and your family .

Cathy White

August 18, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. May God Bless and bring you peace.

Liz Torres

August 18, 2009

Mr Akers. Wow, where do I even begin. I am at a loss of words, for once. I have so many memorable memorries of you. You had the best jokes ever Ol'son. You made class so intersting. You captivated us with your magic. I am so sorry I was not there to say good bye. You will always be in our hearts, and I thank you so much for everything that you did for me. You are gone, but never forgotten.
Your Student,
Liz Torres

Mr. Akers sharing his wisdom

Melissa Aristo

August 18, 2009

Mr Akers, you gave me so many laughs and I always loved hearing your your stories. You were a awesome story teller with the funniest phases! My personal favorite, "You shouldnt smoke marijuana because your babies will be born naked." I will never forget you coming to my grad party! You were truly my favorite man in the whole wide world. I am sad for Mrs. Akers and little buddy! John you will be truly missed! Your biggest fan & student, Melissa Aristo

Harold Bargo

August 18, 2009

Memories of John T. smiling and coming off with that dry humor will forever be in the hall ways of the old KSP Academy (now Post 12). Those of us that knew John T are blessed to have been friends with him.

Richard Simpson

August 18, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Alvin Singh

August 10, 2009

Mr Akers, I was in my first class at University of Phoenix in 2005 where you were my instructor. You inspired me to be the best that I could be. You helped me be successful in life. You were always cheerful and made everyones life better. We will miss you.

Grant & Lisa Parker

August 10, 2009

John, What an honor it was to have you as a neighbor. Alwasy ready to make us laugh with your jokes. Your willingness to help your neighbors with SO many home projects.. And your support to Mitchell's baseball. When he's pro, he's saving an autographed ball for you John!

Connie, we are here for you, anytime you need us. We can take Buddy & CJ for their walks. You just let us know what you need. Although this is still a shock, I hope you are at ease knowing John is at peace. He's taken his seat with our Lord and he and Jumper are reunited. Connie we will always remember his laugh (there was no other like it). I can still hear it!. Connie, our sympathy goes to you for your huge loss. God Bless You Connie.

-The Parkers

Mike Maldonado

August 10, 2009

John
you were my sisters neighbor and I always enjoyed your visit when Grant was working something. You had a great way of talking to people that made us feel happy and laugh. You had some great stories and you were just a great guy. I will truly miss the thought of not seeing you when I'm at Lisa and Grant's. I will always remember your talks and stories. In the short time that I knew you. You were a great person.

August 9, 2009

John my friend,

You were my roomate,and a great one at that.

You were a friend.

You had the ability to see issues in a
right versus wrong framework.

You and Connie were so caring when I had my surgery three years ago. I will never forget the kindness to my wife Helen.
It took a big load from my mind and
made my recovery much quicker.

I will forever miss our telephone conversations,bad jokes,and trout transfers in Elk Grove after a few
drinks and lunch.

I will miss you greatly.

George Badal

Karen Edson

August 8, 2009

Connie and family ,as a Nec employee when John was there , what a wonderful person . Greeted every one with a smile and after speaking with him for just a second you would leave with a smile .(Remember the circle fly ) My prayers are with you .

Diane Entizne

August 8, 2009

I worked with John at NEC, and I can say with no reservations that he was one of my favorite people. He was a straight shooter who always had a funny story to tell to brighten up the day. He will be missed by all who knew him, and there will a whole bunch of good folks enjoying his stories in heaven.

Jona Strickler

August 6, 2009

I worked with John at NEC and I will never forget all his stories. He always made us laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

John Marshall

August 6, 2009

John was a wonderful person and always had a smile for everyone he met. It was a pleasure to work with him at NEC. God be with John and all those who love him.

Gary Ledbetter

August 6, 2009

Dearest Connie and loved ones, I have great memories of John in the work place, he was always refreshing to be around and leaves a legacy of kindness. I will continue to think of John as a person I was privileged to know and work with. Though sadness will last through the night, Joy will be here tomorrow. God Bless

Mark Adrien

August 6, 2009

John will be greatly missed. I worked with John for many years at NEC, what a wonderful sense of humor! Among John's many talents was playing harp, I had the pleasure of jamming with him for one of our "B Shift Christmas parties...he was awesome! He always had a joke or angle when he met you in the halls. My deepest sympathies for his family during this tough time.

Terry Vail

August 6, 2009

Johnny,

Big heart, warm smile, sharp mind, and kind spirit. You had the full package and so generously shared it with us. Thank you for being our friend.

Ter

Sylvie & John T

John "Joe" Sweeney

August 5, 2009

Johnny,

You made so many laugh …

“If you drink Diet Pepsi all your children will be born naked” (a recent John T. joke told to the nurses at Sutter Roseville when they informed him that they didn’t have any Diet Coke!)
----------------------------------------
You helped so many … (this is a quote from a former co worker)

“I can tell you he is one of the nicest, funniest, most decent people I ever met. I have been a teacher for the past 7 years and I think of him often when I am teaching my kids (6th graders) how to be decent people. You never know how you influence people you meet throughout your lives, and I can tell you he was a positive influence on mine.”
-------------------------------

Thanks Johnny for everything … just a few of the memories I’ll always remember ...

• Going “off -road riding” with you on your brand new 1966 Honda Dream. (Street Bike?)

• Attending your bachelor party … drinking cheap bottles of champagne from the liquor store across the street from Barracks 945.

• Attending your wedding at the McClellan Chapel and meeting my “future wife” at the reception.

• Meeting your first pet, “Booger” the hamster … who had a very “short” stay with you when he bit through the lamp electrical cord.

• Spending a wonderful “vacation” with you at Air Force Survival School in Texas. You had the fore sight to hide away a fishing hook and line before they dropped us in the icy cold waters of Lake Texhoma winning many new, hungry friends when you caught those catfish.

• Visiting Taiwan, Thailand and Laos flying in the old Air Force “Connies” including the “Triple Nickle” that is now on display at Wright Patterson AFB.

• Celebrating your 40th Wedding Anniversary with you and Connie and the old crew.

We had a fantastic Saturday, with you and the old Air Force guys, when we all brought you home from the hospital on July 18, 2009. Watching you meet “Sylvie,” who gave you so much pleasure that day (and promptly bit your finger).

The world really needs more people like John T. Akers.

Mona Hahn

August 5, 2009

As an employee at NEC for many years, I had the pleasure to know John. He was a wonderful person and I am sad to learn of his passing. God Bless his family and may he rest in peace.

Ashley Albertson

August 5, 2009

You could always count on John for his bright smile to brighten your day in our neighborhood. He was a joy to get to know and a very caring man. We will miss John's jokes, bright smile, and of course those stories. Connie, our thoughts are with you every day and I hope you know we are here for anything you need at all. We will miss you John!!! xoxoxo...Love Ashley & Scott

Johnny the fisherman!

August 5, 2009

Rosamaria Cerezo

August 5, 2009

Connie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John was a great man and he will be greatly missed. I am very sadden by his death but have great memories of him and his great sense of humor. Take care.

Rosamaria

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