Edsel Carson Adkins' Obituary
Edsel Carson Adkins, retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant and long-time resident of Highland, California, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, in Mission Viejo, California. He was 92 years old.
Born on October 13, 1931 in Sandy Level, Virginia to Willie (Samuel) and Virginia (Pearl) Adkins, Edsel dedicated 24 years of his life to serving in the U.S. Air Force. His military career took him to various multiple air bases including Wheelus Air Base in Libya, Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina and his home base at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, California.
He married Geraldine “Jerri” Malady in 1957 and together they had three children: Dianna, Steven and Jeffry.
Edsel was a man of faith, belonging to the Southern Baptist Christian denomination and was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland.
Ed was known for his love of sports, particularly the Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Chargers. He took great pride in owning Corvettes and Cadillacs over the years and maintained a meticulously clean home with a spacious backyard and pool. Even in his later years, Edsel remained active and independent, continuing to drive and enjoying visits to Casino Morongo as recently as Spring 2024.
Edsel is survived by his son Jeff Adkins; grandchildren Daniel Adkins, Catherine Moore, Danika Adkins, Marla Cyree and Ty Paulsen; great-granddaughters Aliyah Moore and Eva Misclevitz and Sophia Paulsen; plus extended family. His descendants are spread across California, Virginia, Idaho and Oregon.
Edsel Carson Adkins will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his faith, and his family. His life was a testament to the values of service, independence, and living the American Dream.
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