Lyndel "Pal" Lee Adkins

Lyndel “Pal” Lee Adkins, age 89, of Boonville, went to his eternal home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

Lyndel was born on May 6, 1935, in Boonville to Paul H. Adkins, Sr. and Winifred (Davis) Adkins. He was the third child of their six children. Lyndel graduated from Boonville High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953-1956, during the Korean Conflict. On January 22, 1957, he married Marilyn Friedrich, as SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Together they raised three children. 

Lyndel was a lifetime resident of Boonville. His working career started in the family business, Adkins Produce, where he developed a love for fresh produce. Later he worked at John Bull Heating and Air Conditioning. Afterwards, he was an assistant manager at Temple Stephen’s Grocery Store. Ultimately, he began a contracting career, building houses and was the showroom manager for Phillips and Company, in Columbia, MO. His biggest passion was building houses. He built over one hundred homes in Boonville and Columbia combined. 

Lyndel was a dedicated family man. He loved family get-togethers with lots of food for everyone. Lyndel took great pride in his cooking skills and was known for his famous chili recipe. He enjoyed sharing his food dishes with family and friends. He cooked large and extraordinary breakfast meals for his grandchildren to enjoy. In the summer, he could be found near the grill barbequing for his family. He liked to surprise family and friends with fresh produce at their doorstep. Lyndel was a big fan of the Missouri Tigers. He enjoyed watching the Mizzou football and basketball games with family and friends. He had a caring and fun-filled heart. He will be dearly missed. 

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, of 67 years; their three children: Susan (Jeff) Barlow, Kansas City, MO, Janice (Brent) Sperry, Rogers, AR and Jeff Adkins, Boonville; sister Ann Meuli, Boonville; brother, Michael (Suzi) Adkins, Topeka, KS; and sister-in-law Charlene Adkins, Boonville; nine grandchildren: Jill (Eric) Gockel, Maryville, MO, Rebecca (Hunter) Cochran, New York, Beth Sperry, St. Louis, Jacob (Julie) Sperry, Colorado, Patrick Sperry, Rogers, AR, Kara Sperry, Rogers, AR, Jonathan Adkins, Jacob Adkins, Daniel Adkins, St. Louis; seven great grandchildren: Kody, Kamryn, Jaxson, Nathan, and Taylor Gockel, Maryville, MO, Soren and Jude Cochran, New York, and several nieces and nephews. 

Lyndel was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Paul Adkins, Jr., Homer Adkins, and Larry Adkins; and grandson Jeremy Barlow.

The visitation and funeral will be held on Monday, January 13, 2024, at Howard Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Interment will follow services at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences can be made to the family at www.howardfh.com.
 

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