[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 19355-19356]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF BURL JACK AKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Burl Jack 
Akins for his lifelong contributions to his community, family, and 
country. Mr. Akins passed away at his home in Mesa, Arkansas with his 
wife Gail, by his side.
  Born in rural Crawford County, Arkansas to Gene and Bonnie Akins, he 
was the youngest of three children. In 1947, Mr. Akins joined the 
United States Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic for B-52's 
and F-111's until 1959. It is worth noting that he was intent on 
serving his country, so much so, that at the ripe, young age of 16, he 
lied about his age so he could be admitted into the armed services.
  Mr. Akins continued as a civilian employee working for LTV Steel and 
General Dynamics until medically retired in 1971. He and his first wife 
Barbara, who preceded him in death after 45 years of marriage, had 7 
children, 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
  It was my honor to know Burl Jack Akins. I extend my sympathies to 
his family and

[[Page 19356]]

friends. May the example of this man, whose contributions made richer 
the fabric of our American culture, be inspiration to all who seek 
their dreams to serve their fellow man.

                          ____________________