Joyce Akin

Oct 15, 2015 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2015 | 11 comments

Joyce Marie Akin, age 82, formerly of Manhattan, died Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Wamego. Joyce, the daughter of John and Lula (Sexton) Duncan, was born February 17, 1933 in the Dickinson county area. She attended high school at Chapman and White City before graduating from White City High School in 1951. Joyce traveled by bus to Yuma, Arizona during the ‘51 flood to marry William (Bill) Akin of Vermillion on July 20, 1951. He was stationed there in the U.S. Army. This union was blessed with four children: Pam, Christy, Dean, & Tony. Bill preceded her in death in 2000 and her son, Dean, in 2001. She was also predeceased by sister, Ella Mae Henoch and brothers, George, Earl, and Loren Duncan. Joyce and Bill were charter members of the Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church of Manhattan. The last few years, Joyce attended the Wamego First United Methodist Church with her daughter’s family after moving to Wamego.

Joyce touched many lives through her love of others and her random acts of kindness. She was known as “the cake lady” for baking thousands of angel food cakes to give to others. Joyce reached out by sending cards to everyone for all occasions, whether happy or sad. She was recognized with the Flint Hills Region Random Act of Kindness Award in 2001. Her love of children was evident in the way she cared for them while babysitting at local churches and clubs.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Pam (Gary) Lockhart of Lenexa, Ks and Christy (Ron) Boerner of Wamego, Ks and a son, Tony (Chris) Akin of Shawnee, Ks. Her special joys were her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Brian (Sarah) Boerner and children Hannah, Keira and Lucas; Matthew (Jessica) Lockhart and sons Brock and Brody; Lacey (Kevin) Leis and daughter Harper; Amy (Jon) Strathman and sons Blake and Grady; Brett Prockish, Aaron Akin, and Amber Akin. Also surviving is her brother, Robert (Linda) Duncan, brother-in-law, James Akin, and two sisters-in-law, Pat Duncan and Joyce (James) Clark along with numerous nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 in the Wamego First United Methodist Church 600 Lincoln, Wamego, KS. A luncheon/visitation will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Suggested memorials are to Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church in Manhattan, KS or Vintage Park Assisted Living in Wamego, KS

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Cheri Marstall

7 years ago

To the family of Joyce Akin, Joyce was such a delight and holds a special place in my heart. I first met her while attending Blue Valley United Methodist Church. She always made one feel welcome! My next encounter was taking her phone call for the birthday list at KMAN radio. I always enjoyed hearing her warm and caring voice. Know that I am thinking of all of you at this time. The world was a better place because of Joyce….and so are we!

Cheri Marstall
Manhattan KS

JIm Akin

7 years ago

I first met Joyce as “Joyce Duncan” when our brother Bill Akin brought her to the Akin home to be introduced to our family. She has been a delight to all of us and her memory will always be a major joy to me and all other members of the Akin family. She loved to cook and made wonderful birthday cakes for everyone that she knew.

Kenneth Akin

7 years ago

One thing that comes to mind that Aunt Joyce always would do for family and friends is not only call your birthday in to KMAN Radio, but she would call you and sing you ‘Happy Birthday’. She always apologized for her voice, but it was beautiful, all of her kids (my cousin’s) got the musical talent. Heaven just got the best Angel Food Cake maker that I know of and she also made other wonderful foods, though I was partial to her Congo bars/brownies. Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Aunt Joyce is a better person as she was a very loving and caring person. I know I am a better human being for having her in my 50 years of life.

Del

7 years ago

I first met Joyce when I worked at medow lark then had the pleasure to help her again when she moved to vintage park in wamego. Joyce touched many people and will be missed by all.

Brenda Dageford

7 years ago

Joyce was such an amazing woman. Our neighbor since 1966 and a friend forever. Cards, cakes, memories, visits and lots of love. Those are a few of the things I will always remember about Joyce. Silly as it sounds, she was the reason my husband and I would remember our anniversary. Cannot count the number of years we would have missed it if her thoughtful card had not arrived in the mail. She is always associated with our anniversary for that very reason. Our world was a better place because of Joyce.

Robin Johnson Hoover

7 years ago

just wanted to let you know what a special person she was.I have known her my whole life as your Dad and mine Bob Johnson worked together at Acker Electric for many years.She was always doing something nice for everyone especially my Mom. She would come and sit with Mom everyday while she was in the hospital fighting colon cancer and I was working all day and would spend the evenings and nights with her. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to know she was with here when I couldn’t be there…She was an angel on earth!
I am sending my condolences as I have moved to Missouri and won’t be able to be there for the service
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Robin

Pam Davies

7 years ago

I met Joyce while working at Vintage Park and enjoyed visiting with her..Joyce always had a smile and a positive attitude which made caring for her easy..she loved visiting about her family and would proudly show you all her pictures and tell you a story about each one of them..Joyce made many people smile and laugh and will truly be missed by many. RIP Joyce

Bonnie Gilligan

7 years ago

Joyce was an amazing woman and will be remembered by many. I met Joyce at Meadowlark Hills. She always had a smile, a kind word, a hug if you needed it, and gave birthday cards to the employees. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Meredith Ogden

7 years ago

Joyce was an amazing woman who kept an eye out on everyone around her, constantly had a smile and indulged my children at every opportunity. Never could make a cake like she did. We lived across from her on Gross Street, not too much happened that either Cecil, Alberta or Joyce didn’t know about. It was funny how sometimes when money was tight, she would come over with 4 eggs, a half gallon of milk and some bread…enough for a meal…and always at the right time.
Never forget how upset she was when young college students moved in next door. When she was outside a young man came over, introduced himself as K State’s new quarterback, he won her heart over. She cared for all.

Sarah Daly

7 years ago

I met Joyce in Mnhtn., Ks., and her eyes radiated joy. Her friendly personality, lively conversations, and parting comments will not be forgotten. I have been blessed by God’s angel here on earth.

Kevin Religa Family

7 years ago

It was wonderful for Joyce to send us all birthday cards and she would tape a few quarters in the kids cards! She was a blessing to Blue Valley UMC church and one-in-a-million.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

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The Abram Family

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Nicole

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