Gary L. Adkins

December 17, 1937 – June 17, 2026

"Good Morning family and friends, well apparently my time as a citizen of Ridgefield Washington is over. On June 17th at 12:30 in the morning, I became a citizen of Heaven. After a dialysis treatment, I had a seizure and took a ride in the ambulance to the emergency room and went to sleep, and peacefully left this earth. I've enjoyed being your dad, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend. Thank you for all the good times and I'll see you again one of these days."  

Gary L. Adkins was born on December 17, 1937, in Twin Falls, Idaho, along with his twin sister, Fairy. He passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington, surrounded by the love of his family.

Gary graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1956. After attending Clark College for one year, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea and later recalled in 1962 during the Berlin Crisis, when he served an additional tour of duty.

Following his military service, Gary built a long and successful career. He worked for Fuller Paint and later joined Stanley Tool Company in the packaging division. After Stanley Packaging Division was acquired by Acme Steel Company and ITW Corporation, Gary continued his work and retired in 2006 as the North American Equipment Manager.

Gary’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply. He and his wife, Lonna, shared 46 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, faith, and memories. Together they embraced the blessing of a blended family with four daughters. Debbie Kimsey, Michelle Elefante, Michelle Adkins, and Karalee Ehline; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. In addition to the family, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and his twin sister Fairy Trowbridge.

Gary enjoyed boating, traveling, serving his community, and spending time with family and friends. He especially loved his farm, working with his John Deere tractor, and the simple joys of caring for the land.

Gary faithfully attended Liberty Bible church. One of the lasting testaments to his devotion was the 16-foot cross he placed in his pasture 17 years ago. 

We celebrate Gary’s life—a life marked by service, faith, hard work, kindness, and love. We celebrate a man who loved his family well and left behind a legacy that will continue through the generations.