David Wayne Akers

David W. Akers, born New Year's Eve 1950, passed away from an extended illness at the age of 74 on Friday, August 15, 2025. He was preceded in death by parents Jim and Betty Akers, brother Paul (& Helen) Akers and niece Marissa Winland.

Survived by his wife of 51 years, Sheila Akers; son, Jeremy; daughter, Stacey; grandson and his wife, Skyler and Faith Akers and his great grandson, Braxton. He is also survived by his sister, Dena Bryant and his brother, Michael Akers. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dave graduated from Lehman High School in 1969 with a storied football career that people still remember him for. His freshman and sophomore years were spent at the original McKinley High School.

Dave served for six years in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam Era. He was also a proud member of The American Legion Post 44.

He started his career with the City of Canton Fire Department in 1980, starting out as a Firefighter/Paramedic for10 years followed by a promotion to the Bureau of Apparatus & Repair (B.A.R.) for the next 10 years. Dave's final promotion in the CFD was to the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) where he worked as a Fire/Arson Investigator/Fire Inspector. He also taught fire safety to the children of Canton City Schools. Additionally, he was on the board of The Akron Children's Hospital Aluminum Cans for Burned Children for many years. Dave received the prestigious award in 2005 for being the Blue Coat Officer of the Year. Dave retired from the CFD in 2013 with 33 years of service.

After retiring, he enjoyed volunteering with various area food outreaches that helped the needy. This included The Stark County Hunger Task Force, Backpacks for Kids program at Cedar Elementary and Compassion Delivered.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Reed Funeral Home CANTON Chapel (705 Raff Rd SW, Canton, OH 44710). The Last Alarm Ceremony will be held at 1:00pm and will be followed by the funeral service with the eulogy by Pastor Jonathan Tisevich. Burial will follow services at North Lawn Cemetery.