Gilbert G. "Lebanon" Adkins Jr.

Gilbert Glen Adkins, Jr., son of Gilbert and Emma Jean Bennett Adkins, was born March 5, 1956, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life on December 7, 2025, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of sixty-nine years, nine months, and two days.

On October 7, 1989, he was united in marriage to Angela Hilton. Together, they blended their families into one with love and devotion. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Jared.

He is survived by his wife, Angie Adkins of Lebanon, Missouri; three daughters, Myranda Porter (Mike) of Springfield, Missouri, Brittanie Rossi (Matthew) of Wellsville, Kansas, and Emily Laurie (Spencer) of Springfield, Missouri; one son, Andrew Adkins (Slone) of Platte City, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Quentin, Lyla, Charlotte, Wyatt, Betty, Rhett, Sloane, Skylar, and Jackson; one brother, Timothy Adkins of Lebanon, Missouri; and a large extended family of relatives and dear friends.

Gib was deeply proud of his family heritage and was ever mindful of the Adkins legacy, which traced back to Abner Adkins, a Confederate veteran of the Civil War. On his mother's side, he cherished the rich history connected to Bennett Spring State Park, land originally owned by his mother's family. He greatly respected his grandparents, Lewis and Ruby Inez Adkins, who raised a large family and created cherished memories of joyful family gatherings and dinners that Gib fondly remembered throughout his life. His father instilled in him a deep sense of civic duty through his own service on the Lebanon City Council, a legacy Gib later carried forward himself.

A proud graduate of Lebanon High School and Missouri State University, Gib remained active in the alumni associations of both institutions and was especially engaged with the Missouri State University Alumni Association. At an early age, he developed a keen interest in politics and became an active member of the Democratic Party. He served as a community organizer through many election cycles and proudly hosted numerous local and statewide Democratic candidates in Lebanon over the years.

Gib had a true heart for community service and a deep compassion for the downtrodden. He was a longtime member and past President of the Lebanon Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and belonged to the original Lebanon Ambassadors organization. His dedication to faith was central to his life. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where he participated in many mission trips.

Throughout his professional career, Gib worked in the insurance industry, and for the past ten years he served as the Regional Outreach Administrator for Missouri State University's Central Region Campus in Lebanon, where he touched the lives of countless students and families.

A dedicated public servant, Gib served multiple terms on the Lebanon City Council, following in his father's footsteps and always striving to improve the city he loved. In recognition of his deep commitment to community and service, he was recently named a Colonel of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, an honor he received with great humility.

Gib was a passionate student of history and constantly encouraged other good people to become involved in public service. His heart remained centered on his family, and he was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments. His faith guided his life, and he never hesitated to speak of the many blessings he had received over the years. Gib spoke often of his favorite Bible character, David, and drew great inspiration from David's fall and redemption.

Gib's legacy will live on through Angie, his children, and his grandchildren. Over the decades, he touched countless lives, and each will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

Funeral services for Gib Adkins will be Thursday, December 11 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Lebanon. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 4 - 7 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park.

A memorial to the grandchildren's education fund or to the Missouri State University scholarship fund has been established and donations may be made at the funeral home.