Michael Fulton Acklin
Funeral services for Michael Fulton Acklin, 53, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeal Home.
Mr. Acklin lost his courageous battle against renal cancer at 7:09 am Tuesday December 30, 2014 at Barnes Jewish Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO. He was born November 13th, 1961, the son of Donald Acklin and Alice Brotherton Acklin. Mike was a wonderful, caring, sensitive man who loved, nurtured and supported his family and worked hard to make sure that they were well taken care of. He never gave up and fought his disease with every ounce of determination and will power that he had. He endured physical pain every day during his illness yet he continued to work and care for his family. He is loved so very much by his family and there will always be a void that can never be filled. Mike was employed by the City of West Plains and was supervisor of the Parks and Recreation Department. He took great pride in serving the community in his role. He had a profound passion for his job and found great satisfaction in his nearly 20 years of service to the city. As a teenager, he was employed by the Parks Department through summer work programs and was involved in some of the early park and ball field developments. In his spare time, Mike loved spending time outdoors, gardening, reading and spending time with his family.
In March 1987, Mike met and fell in love with his soul mate and best friend, Diana J. Acklin. In October 1990, they wed and to this union three beautiful daughters were born.
Mike leaves behind his wife, Diana Acklin, of the family home; three daughters, Emily Stirn, husband Mike, Layla Acklin, fiancé Kenny Collins and Shelby Acklin; his precious granddaughter, Rayne Zylie Collins; his father Don Acklin and special step-mother, Georgia; four brothers, Donnie Acklin, wife, Lynda, Terry Acklin, Larry Acklin, wife, Karen and Craig Acklin; two sisters, Pam Freeman, husband, Ted and Ann Acklin and significant other, Kerry Vehawn; two sisters-in-law, Joanna Brown and Linda Armstrong , husband, Nick; several nieces and nephews, including special nieces and nephews he loved as his own, Fraley Boss, husband Jay, Jordan Owens, Elijah Romans and Poppy and Daisy McKinney.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Acklin, his mother-in-law and father- in- law, Loretta and Ross Carter and his grandparents.
The family will receive their friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Mike will be laid to rest in the Dripping Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Riverways Hospice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Rick & Lois Frazier
January 2, 2015 @ 8:41 am
Mike was a very special person. He was always such a hard worker and took pride in all that he did, but never wanted any glory for the things he accomplished. He did so very much for the City of West Plains and for the Parks and Recreations Dept. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Connie Camden
January 2, 2015 @ 9:29 am
My prayers to the family. Mike and I attend school together. He was always a sweet kind person. Hugs to all.
Lenny Eagleman
January 2, 2015 @ 2:36 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mike was always a good person to work with and be around. He was a good classmate and was always willing to help anyone in need. He did a lot for our town that often went unnoticed but won’t be forgotten. You have earned your rest my friend.
Phyllis Gruben
January 2, 2015 @ 5:14 pm
Annie so sorry for your loss, my prayers will be with you and your family.
joy brazeal
January 2, 2015 @ 7:44 pm
Diana, there aren’t words that can help in your loss, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Denis Knight
January 2, 2015 @ 7:52 pm
Mike was an amazing person and Jo and I will dearly miss him. He always went out of his way for us. I cannot imagine driving by the ball field and not thinking of him. I consider Mike to be one of the greatest people I have ever known. The years of being together to put on our tournaments will always be some ofJo and my favorite moments. We love you and will always remember your friendship. West Plains will never be the same without you!!
Amber(Cozort) Redburn
January 3, 2015 @ 10:10 am
Don and Georgia,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you all upon the loss of Mike. Eventhough, I didn’t know him very well or have classes with him in school I do remember him being a very quiet young man. May God comfort, encourage, and support each one of you thru this difficult time. May God bless each one of you. I will keep you all in my daily prayers.
In Christian Love, Amber(Cozort)Redburn
Joe Bennett
January 3, 2015 @ 10:27 am
Mike was a classmate. ..team mate…and a good freind,always
Pleasent to be around and even to just visit with. God Bless you Mike
Rest in Peace.
Linda ward
January 3, 2015 @ 9:35 pm
Diana and Family, so sorry for your loss, I know that Mike fought the battle for quite sometime, may he rest in peace now with no more pain. Know that we are thinking of you and the girls.
Bill & Kim Combs
January 6, 2015 @ 9:23 pm
Diana, We were so sorry to read of Mike’s passing. We want you to know we are praying for you and the kids.
Becky Cultrara
January 7, 2015 @ 12:23 am
Diana and family, So sorry for your loss. Wish I could give you big hugs. I didn’t know Mike, but I wish I could of met him. My love and prayers are with you now and always. Heaven welcomed a new angel who will always be watching over you all. Love you bunches, Diana. {{{hugs}}}