Rev. S.T. Adkins

On December 9, 2024 the faith of Rev S.T. Adkins became sight when he was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. S.T., a sinner (Romans 3:23) saved by grace alone (Romans 6:23), through faith in Christ alone (Romans 10:9-10, 13), lived a dedicated life of faith and service for the Lord. He left this world to be with his Lord at the age of 91.

Born Shirley Thomas Adkins on October 18, 1933 to the late Elwood and Nannie (Ferguson) Adkins in Menifee County, Kentucky, he was known his entire life as S.T. He moved to Ohio at the age of 17 and lived in Shelby his entire life.

S.T. married Betty R. Conley on October 18, 1954. To this union were born four daughters: Brenda (Bernie) Highfield, Linda (Ronald) Neeley, Kathy (Dennis) Robey, and Karen (Michael) Barnett; his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Tina (Bruce), Misty (Jamie), Angela (Dustin), Tom (Jessica), Mark (Maryann), Stacy (Ryan), Ashlee, Todd (Courtney), Bradd (Debra), Lexi (Josh) Kaelyn (Kaleb), Izaiah (Katelynn), Deven (Katlynn), Mason, Bryke, Zac (Jaimy), Prestyn, Keaton, Madison, Abram, Eliana, Ethan, Alex, Monroe, Griffin, Halia, and Zane. He has three great great grandchildren, Maeleigh, Samuel, and baby Eve on the way.

S.T. is survived by his daughters: Kathy (Dennis) and Karen (Mike); his son-in-law: Bernie (Barb); 2 sisters: Wanda Manning and Phyllis (Larry) Hamons; 3 brothers: Earl (Rose), John (Karen), and Gary (Arlene); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Elwood and Nanny; wife: Betty; daughter and son-in-law: Linda and Ronald; daughter: Brenda; granddaughter: Ashlee Barnett; 4 sisters: Della, Dorothy, Claris, Mary; brother: Robert "Bob"; and twin siblings that died shortly after birth, Darrel and Carol.

S.T. was a prominent leader in the Northern United Baptist Church Association. He provided mentorship to young pastors seeking a life of servitude for Jesus. He enjoyed serving the Lord in many capacities and, as a man that loved working with his hands, he loved the physical labor and accomplishment of building the church. He was known for his signature song, "I'm Working On A Building For My Lord". He enjoyed music, especially Blue Grass and Southern Gospel, and he was gifted to be able to play the mandolin, guitar, and banjo. He loved singing and over the years traveled to many states with several Southern Gospel groups. He was the Senior Pastor of the Northern United Baptist Church in Tiro, OH for 22 years and also worked in the steel mill industry. For 19 years S.T. broadcasted a church service every Sunday on WCLW Mansfield and also broadcast on WAKR Norwalk, WBCO Bucyrus, and WGGN Castalia. After retirement, he became a traveling evangelist filling the pulpit for pastors and guest speaking. For the last 20 years, Rev S.T. was an active leader and member of the Greenwich Baptist Church with his brother, Pastor Gary Adkins and also found the love of Jesus in the people at the New Beginnings Free Will Baptist Church in Shelby with Pastor Brian Phillips.

In the prime of his ministry S.T. also dedicated his time as a summer youth camp leader realizing the importance of today's youth. He transported and served the kids at Youth Bible Camp, building relationships and sharing the love of Jesus with them. Many of those relationships still exist today.

S.T. was also a huge sports enthusiast. In his younger years he pitched in the city fast pitch underhand league and successfully pitched many no hitters. He also enjoyed playing in the church softball leagues, watching the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. An avid fisherman, if you had a pole he knew where to go to catch the biggest fish.

S.T.'s call into ministry was a lifelong commitment and one he served with dedication, compassion, and great joy. Preaching the Word of God, sharing God's plan of salvation and our Hope that comes with being a believer, and preaching about the wonders of what awaits us in Heaven were what he considered his greatest accomplishments. S.T. understood how valuable your soul is when both satan and Jesus fight for it. His desire to share Jesus with those that do not know Him was what motivated his fighting spirit to remain in this life.

One of S.T.'s greatest joys was his family and being a Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pappy. His greatest desire was for his family to have a personal relationship with Jesus and to know he will see each one of us in Heaven one day. What a reunion that will be!

If you do not know Jesus please accept this as an invitation to find a church that will share God's free plan of salvation with you. God loves you deeply. Once you experience the unconditional love that God has for you; nothing else will ever compare.

A message from S.T. to you, "Life is short. Eternity has no end. If I were you, I would do whatever you have to do to keep your soul from going to hell and dying without Jesus."


S.T.'s family would like to extend our appreciation to the Avita Health Care staff for the wonderful care of our Dad and a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Luu for treating Dad with the highest respect and regards.



Family and friends are welcome on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 9-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. Pastor Danny Hamilton, with the assistance of other pastors, will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to be used toward families in need at Christmastime.


Condolences may be made on S.T.'s obituary on the funeral home's website (PenwellFuenralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).