Jul 31, 2023

Billy Akin-Summers, age 59

Posted Jul 31, 2023 6:33 PM

Billy George Akin-Summers, age 59 of Garfield, Kansas passed away on Saturday evening, July 29, 2023 at his home after a long battle with COPD and Congestive Heart Failure.  Billy was born on October 31, 1963 to Elvis McFarland and Loretta Yocham in Vian, Oklahoma.  His mother later married Elmer Akin, who adopted Billy.  Billy belonged to a large family of 12 sisters and 8 brothers:  Marylou, John, and James (& Leslie) of Arkansas; Gladys, Edna (& Jim), Tracy, Doug (& Lori), and Les of Kansas; Betty (& Dan), Bea (& Neev), Ethel, Lisa (& John), Don, and Jesse (& Kim) of Oklahoma.

          Billy made a living by hanging drywall, roofing, and did some truck driving. He was known to be a jokester and often made up names to make you laugh.

Billy married Sandra Hill in 1992.  In July of 1992 they welcomed a daughter Sandeana. As years passed, they later divorced.

In 2008, Billy and Susan started dating and later married on May 12, 2018 at Ottawa, Kansas. This marriage was blessed with four boys:  Shawn, David, Jason, and Zackhary; and three brothers-in-law: Rick, Steve (& Dena), and Chris (& Clarissa).

          Billy has eighteen beautiful grandchildren:  Cameron, Jordyn, Jolynn, Astrid, Jazzmine, Gavin, Jayden, Dayton, Dakota, Alexa, Kayleen, Jordan, Zayden, James, Jame-Lynn, Kayson, William and Asuna. Plus, there are many nieces and nephews. Billy was a big family man and loved them all. Billy also had three good friends he could count on in Loren, Jody, and Shelly.

          Billy had a passion for writing songs, singing, and playing the guitar. He loved entertaining not only his family with his talent but would also go to the nursing homes and share his love for music with the elderly.  Billy also enjoyed fishing and was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan.  One of his fondest memories is watching the Chiefs game with Sue, Zack, and Dakota and seeing who would cuss and scream the loudest.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents and siblings (Ruby, Billie June, Barbara, Wendy, Edward, William, and Roy); son Zackhary and grandchildren Astrid and Jame-Lynn.

          Cremation has been chosen.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date to be announced.  The family requests that Memorial Contributions be directed to the Billy G. Akin-Summers Funeral Expense Fund with Charter Funerals of Great Bend, Kansas in charge.  Online condolences may be left for the family and a full obituary notice may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com.