Roger Franklin Eakins

Roger Franklin Eakins, M.D. We remember Dr. Roger Franklin Eakins, who was born in Brush, CO on June 4, 1918, and who passed from this life at his home in Denver on February 29, 2008. Dr. Eakins grew up in Brush, where he attended the local schools, graduating from high school in 1936. He then attended the University of Colorado, but before finishing his degree he joined the United States Army Air Corps as a Flying Cadet, where he served from 1940-1946. Dr. Eakins qualified as a pilot in many types of planes, but mainly flew B25s and B17s, and served as a flight instructor. He was severely burned in a plane crash, but recovered to continue serving as a squadron commander. He reached the rank of Major before leaving the Air Corps in 1946. While recuperating at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver, he met Army Nurse Audrey Petty, and they were married happily for forty-six years. She died December 10, 1992. Their children are Carol Kurent of Aurora, Jan Dougan (Jim) of Centennial, and Frank Eakins (Janice) of Littleton. Also surviving is Roger's brother, Dr. Donald Eakins of Grand Junction. There are also five grandchildren and two great grandsons. After his honorable discharge from the US Air Corps, Roger was graduated from the University of Denver, then went on to the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Following a residency in Michigan, Dr. Eakins served as a general practitioner for a short time in Iowa, then two years in Goodland, KS. He returned to Colorado and had a general practice office in Thornton for approximately 7 years before specializing in anesthesiology, which he practiced in hospitals throughout Denver for 25 years. To finance his medical education Dr. Eakins built and sold several small houses in Denver. He also designed his present home which he has enjoyed for 45 years. Roger was a volunteer member of the Thornton Police and Fire Departments, instructing them in first aid and emergency procedures. He was an early advocate of seat belts, having learned their value when he was a pilot. He also volunteered for the Boy Scouts and did demonstrations of early CPR. He was a member of the United Methodist church in both Thornton and Westminster. and later in Longmont. When his children were younger, Dr. Eakins enjoyed trips around the country with the family, especially camping and water skiing. In later years he was able to travel overseas several times with his wife Elly. Dr. Eakins enjoyed music, especially that of the ""Big Band Era,"" and he played piano, organ, and accordion. He enjoyed bridge and dancing. In fact, it was at a dance he met the Rev. Eloise (Elly) Tillman, and they were married in December of 1993, Her children also mourn their loss of a loved friend. Gerald Holbrook, Lincoln, NE; Jeanne Skybrook (John Maxwell), Novato, CA; Barbara Muenchau, Wind Cave National park, SD; Andrew Holbrook (Lynn) , Fort Collins, Co; and Patricia Terpstra (Dan), Lincoln, NE. Also, there are ten grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Dr. Eakins was unfailingly kind, and his belief was, ""Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."" A service to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 1:00PM at the Horan-McConaty Family Chapel at 9998 Grant St. in Thornton. Memorial Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 350 11th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado 80501.