Robert Maurice Akers

Robert Maurice Akers Robert Maurice Akers, passed away October 19, 2007 at the age of 94. A wonderful and devoted husband and father and a warm, delighted grandfather, he was respected by all who knew him for his honesty, decency, intelligence, ability, sweet, gentle nature, and empathetic understanding of people. Born July 18, 1913 in Coffeyville, Kansas, he overcame a difficult youth, losing his father at age 11 and leaving home out of economic necessity as a teenager to live, school, and work in Kansas City. During this time he developed his remarkable artistic talent. As a young man, he underwent adventurous surgery to repair a cleft palate. Turning aside a career in commercial art, he returned to Coffeyville to work. There he met the love of his life, Lena Mae Wynns. They married January 12, 1936 and remained married and inseparable for nearly 72 years. Their devotion to each other was complete, and they cared for each other lovingly and valiantly as they lived independently until shortly before his death. They poured all their love into raising their only child, a son, who was lucky beyond measure to have such a father and mother. He worked as a mechanic, then a machinist, and eventually an industrial engineer. He was proud of his many accomplishments, including innovations in wartime manufacturing production and a long career with Cabot Corporation in Pampa, Texas. There he developed modern time study methods and introduced numerical control machinery, using his special skills with people to achieve their workplace acceptance. He retired in 1977 and moved to Austin in 1989. Maurice loved fishing, bowling, socializing, and playing cards. He was a marvelous artist and always used meticulous workmanship on the job and in home projects. He is survived by his wife Lena Mae Akers, son Robert (Larry) Akers and daughter-in-law Dianne King Akers, and grandson and apple of his eye Ben Akers, all of Austin. We all miss him dearly and are grateful for his long, happy life with us. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Meals on Wheels, 3227 E. 5th St., Austin, 78702 or to Friends of the Parks, 2801 Bridle Path, Austin, 78703.