Francis ""Frank"" M. Akers

Francis ""Frank"" Akers died on June 19 at the age of 86. It isn't his death that his family will remember but his life. Frank was born in 1928 in Southern California to Ina Akers (deceased) joining his three older siblings Bev (deceased), Tom and Betty. Sadly Frank's father Francis M. Akers died in a car crash before his birth. Ina married their beloved step-father Johnny Slayton (deceased) in 1931 and added another sibling, Jim, to the family. The early part of Frank's life was spent on several farms in Tulare County, California before the family moved to ""the house on the hill"" in Dinuba where his older sisters taught him how to dance. A skill he remained proficient at his entire life. Upon graduating from high school he went to Reedley College before entering the Army in 1951 serving for two years at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey. After being honorably discharged Frank went to Fresno State College on the GI Bill and while he was there he married Jackie Dean Patrick (deceased) in 1954. Frank received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1956 and he, Jackie and their first born son David moved to Los Angeles where Frank went to work for the city. Shortly after their son Steven entered the world and their daughter Susan joined the family a year later. In 1967 Frank left his position with the City of Los Angeles to work at a consulting engineering firm and in 1972 the firm transferred him to Denver. In 1976 Frank began working for the State of Colorado's Water Conservation Board, which he retired from in 1993 and often said that it was the best job ever. In his retirement Frank liked to spend his time bicycling, tending his roses and gladiolas, growing vegetables in his small garden patch, going to the track and looking after numerous family dogs and cats whenever he was asked. Frank took great joy in watching granddaughters Cassie, Terrie, and Heather and grandson Brandon grow-up. When Steven remarried, Frank welcomed Lori's daughter Kristin into the family. In the last four years Frank resided at Brookdale Aurora. When he visited the facility with family in 2011 he said it was homey and he felt at home the entire time he lived there. Because of his dear friend Eleanor, Frank participated in many activities at Brookdale including reading a poem at their Veteran's Day ceremony. Quite the accomplishment for a shy engineer. The family would like to thank the people at Brookdale, Garden Terrace and the Optum hospice for their compassion and thoughtfulness. Many of the people who cared for Frank expressed how much they loved him and there isn't a greater testament to his remarkable spirit. Frank's family will love and remember him. Sons David (Maureen Dudley) and Steven (Lori), daughter Susan Couch (Philip), granddaughters Cassie Miksic (Aric), Terrie Akers (Kevin Kohberger), Heather Sawyer, Brandon Couch, Kristin Sanders, great grandson Keegan Sanders, brother Tom Akers (Judy), sister Betty Page and brother Jim (Joan). Funeral Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver. Frank's favorite charities were Boys Town, 200 Flanagen Blvd., PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010 and Covenant House, Times Square Station. PO Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900. In lieu of flowers please donate to one of these or a charity of your choice.