George Irvin Akers

Dec. 14, 1941 – Feb. 6, 2018

Posted

A private memorial service for George Irvin Akers, 76, will be held in Maricopa, Arizona and a Wyoming memorial will be planned by his children in the summer and held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Wheatland, Wyoming withThe Reverend Jill Zimmerschied officiating. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J. Warren Funeral Home in Casa Grande, Arizona.
George died peacefully at his home in Thunderbird Farms near Maricopa, Arizona on Tuesday, February 6, 2018.
He was born in Wheatland, Wyoming, on Sunday, December 14, 1941 to Archer David and Wilma June (Dodge) Akers, the oldest of two children. He grew up overseas while his father was stationed in Japan, Germany, and Holland. The family moved back to the Wheatland area in 1955.  He graduated from Wheatland High School in 1959 and attended the University of Wyoming; He married Martha Elaine “Martie” Carlson in August, 1961.  He and Martie had two children and the family lived on the Carlson Ranch near Douglas, Wyoming while George worked at Pacific Power and Light.
Martie died in 1979 after a lengthy illness.  George married Lucy Whisenant in 1980 and they remained on the Carlson Ranch.  George and Lucy helped Irving and Margaret Carlson run the ranch and after the Carlsons moved to Douglas, they managed the ranch and worked it as a bed and breakfast.  One of his favorite jobs was with the sale barn in Douglas, Douglas Livestock Exchange. He had an opportunity to run the barn with a partner for a few years in later life and it was one of his greatest pleasures.
George and Lucy moved to Maricopa for retirement in 1995 where he enjoyed roping and “visiting” with friends! He spent several years in Senior Pro Rodeo and was sorry to have to give up his horses a few years ago.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Martie Carlson Akers on May 31,1979; parents, Archer David Akers on September 6,1986 and Wilma June Dodge Akers on July 12, 2009; and sister, Peggy Akers Darling on July 19, 2012.
Survivors include his wife, Lucile Whisenant Akers of Maricopa; daughter, Anita Akers Phipps and husband, Ron Phipps of Pearland, Texas; son, Carlson T. Akers and wife, Kendra of Wright, Wyoming; grandchildren Andrew and Sarah Phipps and John Akers; brother-in-law, Ron Darling of Wheatland, Wyoming; niece, Tara Jo Darling Freedburg and husband Sam Freedburg of Wheatland. special cousins include CeeAnn Vaughan (Ed) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nedalyn Testolin, Tyler Dodge Family, and David Dodge all of Wheatland, Tom Phifer of Gilbert, Arizona; Wood, Brook, Sky and Star Phifer and their families.
Memorials are welcomed to a charity of your choice.
Gorman Funeral Homes - Platte Chapel of Wheatland is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.