Richard "Coach" Adkins

Richard “Coach” Adkins, 83, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma left this earth to enter his eternal home on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. He was born May 8, 1937 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Oren James and Patricia (Murphy) Adkins. Richard attended Muskogee Public Schools and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1955. He furthered his education at Oklahoma State University graduating in 1959 with a B.S. Secondary Education in History and Psychology. In 1963 he graduated from Northeastern State University with a M. S. for Secondary Education and in 1973 obtained a M. S. in Guidance and Counseling. Richard married the love of his life, Carolyn Anne Watson on May 31, 1959 in Perry, Oklahoma. They shared more than 61 years of life, marriage, and making memories. Richard enjoyed being a teacher and counselor and was known as “Coach” to his students. Early in his career he was head coach at West High School where his team went undefeated during his tenure at the school. In the early 1970’s, he began coaching at Fort Gibson High School and the later became a counselor until his retirement in 1992. Along the way in his career, Richard started wrestling programs at Cushing and Fort Gibson high schools. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tennis, and all sports. Most important was spending time with his family and being a coach and mentor to his students. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oren and Patricia Adkins. Richard is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of the home; sons, Greg Adkins and wife Debbie, David Adkins and wife Tammy; and daughter, Patty Ann Henderson; grandchildren, Eric Adkins and wife Cindy, Kyle Adkins and wife Ada, Justin Adkins and wife Mac, Rachel Adkins, Melissa Flavell, and Zoey Henderson; eight great-grandchildren; along with other family members and many friends who will dearly miss him. The family would like to express a very special “Thank you” to Dena Longpine and Crystal Harris for their love and help giving to Richard; also the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice; as well as Rebecca and Adam. The family requests memorials can be made in Richard’s honor to the Fort Gibson Fire Department. A private family service is planned with Rev. Bob Hancock officiating. Funeral services provided by Cornerstone Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at http://www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com

Richard "Coach" Adkins

May 8, 1937 - February 2, 2021