Rev. Thomas Homer Adkins
WIDELY MOURNED
Death at the Presbyterian manse early this (Thursday) afternoon closed the ministry of 32 years that had made Rev. Thomas Homer Adkins an essential part of the life of Crown Point. In ill health for many months, he passed away quietly after hours of coma. His wife and daughter were with him. His age was 64.Rev. Mr. Adkins came to Crown Point, where he spent half a lifetime from Westminster Presbyterian church at Tolleston, a charge that followed his first pastorate at Claremont, Minnesota, born in Hagarsville, Arkansas, he was educated at Lincoln College, where he was graduated in 1912, and at McCormick Seminary, in Chicago, where he completed his religious training in 1915. Ruth Hansen, whom he met there, became his bride in June of that year.
Their son Tom died in 1942 at the age of 22. Miss Ruth has since graduation from Indiana university, been a teacher of physical education at Portage Township high school.
Both the First Presbyterian church building and its congregation have grown substantially during Rev. Mr. Adkin's ministry and his loving kindness benefited not only those of his fold but reached out far beyond his acquaintance here into neighboring communities, where he served those who sought him.
A copy of the following newspaper article, hand-dated January 21, 1954, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
SOUTH CO. RESIDENTS MOURN PASSING OF REV. THOMAS ADKINS
Southern Lake County residents were grieved by the death last Thursday of Rev. Thomas H. Adkins, 64. In ill health for many months, he passed away at the Crown Point Presbyterian manse. For 32 years the Rev. Adkins was pastor of the First Presbyterian church at the county seat. His service extended to all communities of this region where his understanding and impartial interest endeared him to all.He is survived by his wife and daughter, Miss Ruth, who is a teacher at Portage Township high school, their son Tom died in 1942.
Born in Hagarsville, Arkansas, he was educated at Lincoln College and McCormick Seminary in Chicago.
Memorial services were held Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 p.m. in the First Presbyterian church and Rev. Fred Backemeyer of Gary officiated. Interment was in Mayplewood cemetery, Crown Point.
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