The Malvern Leader - Malvern, Mills County, Iowa, Thursday, May 2, 1963.
Final Tribute for T. C. Adkins at Services Friday - A final tribute was paid by the community to T. C. Adkins Friday when funeral services were held at the Mansfield Funeral Home. They were conducted by the Rev. John A. Lippincott and members of Silver Urn lodge, of which Mr. Adkins was a member, conducted Masonic services at the graveside. Music for the services was furnished by Mrs. J. E. Ellison. Glen Dairymple, Kenneth Bowman, Frank Hertz, George Mort, Robert Campbell and Charles Costello served as pall bearers. Mrs. Vern Dunn and Mrs. Bowman cared for the flowers.
The Rev. Mr. Lippincott read the following life sketch: Thomas Carlisel Adkins was born Jan. 6, 1893, near Paola, Kan. to John Edwin and Miranda Fisher Adkins. The family moved to Chariton County, Mo., when Thomas was two. He grew up on a farm near Brunswick, Mo., where he attended high school. Later he assisted the agent at the Triplett, Mo. station, where he learned telegraphy and became interested in railroad work. His first position was with the Wabash Railroad at the Strahan station. Later he was employed by the Burlington Railroad, working at the Shenandoah, Elliott and Malvern stations.
While working at Elliott, Thomas C. Adkins met and on Sept. 13, 1921, married Emma Opal Davis. To this marriage was born three sons, john, Bryce and Glen.
In 1946 the family moved to Malvern, Mrs. Opal Adkins preceded him in death in November of that same Year. On Aug. 28, 1952, he was united in marriage to Ruth Bushnell.
Throughout his adult life, Mr. Adkins was an active member of the Methodist church and the Masonic lodge. He became a member of the Masonic lodge at Elliott, completing his degree work in June of 1920. He served in all of the offices of the Masonic lodge and was Worthy patron of the Eastern Star at Elliott.
On moving to Malvern he transferred his membership to Silver Urn Lodge, where he has maintained an active interest. He has served as a member of the official board of the Malvern Methodist church since 1961 and at the time of his death was on the memorial committee and had been appointed as chairman of the Worship commission of that church.
Thomas C. Adkins was interested and active in community work, serving for several years as treasurer of the Elliott Consolidated school district and secretary of the Commercial club of that city. He contributed much of his time and energy to the Boy Scouts and other worthy community projects. At Malvern he has served as a member of the city library board.
On Jan. 1, 1959, Mr. Adkins retired from his work with the Burlington railroad, having completed 43 years of service with that company and nearly 50 continuous years of work in railroading.
Thomas C. Adkins is survived by his wife, Ruth Bushnell Adkins; his three sons, John of Keokuk, Bryce of Cincinatti, O., and Glen; three sisters, Newell, Katie Marie, and Effie Alice Adkins of Carrollton, Mo.; and a brother, Walter Adkins of Bakersfield, Calif. There are three living grandsons . . . Interment was in the Malvern Cemetery. -- Contributor: Bebe (47062645)
***************************************************************************
WORLD WAR I DRAFT REGISTRATION CARD:
FHL Roll Number: 1643221
Name: Thomas Carlisle Adkins
County: Montgomery
State: Iowa
Birthplace: Paola, Kansas;
United States of America
Birth Date: 6 Jan 1893
Race: Caucasian (White)
Occupation: Rail Road agent

1925 IOWA STATE CENSUS:
Roll: IA1925_1858
Census Date: 1 Jan 1925
Residence State: Iowa
Residence County: Montgomery
Locality: Elliott
Name: T C Adkins
Birth Year: abt 1893
Birth Place: Kansas
Gender: Male
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head: Head
Mother: Miranda Fisher
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio
Father: J E Adkins
Father's Birth Year: abt 1860
Father's Birthplace: Ohio
Marriage Place: Ohio
Spouse Name: Opal Adkins
Household Members: Name Age
T C Adkins 32
Opal Adkins 25