Mark Wayne Adkins

Mark W. Adkins of Gig Harbor, WA, died March 27, 2018. He was born April 1, 1948, in Ponca City, OD, to M. Wayne and Maxine D. Adkins. Mark spent his High School years in Stillwater, OK, graduating in 1966, from C. E. Donart High School, where he lettered in basketball and golf. He was Oklahoma State Junior Golf Champion in 1965.

Mark joined Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a B.S. degree in mathematics. His membership in ROTC launched his military service. He obtained his private flying license at Stillwater Airport, and went on to Air Force Flight School qualifying for fighter pilot, and choosing to support the military flying the C-141 Starlifter during the Vietnam War. Mark finished his military career as a Major in the Air Force Reserves supporting our troops during the first Gulf War. Mark married Eileen before reporting to Active Duty AF in southern California.

Mark’s commercial aviation career began in 1977, flying for Continental Airlines, which overlapped with his duty as an Air Force Reservist. During the 1980’s the airline industry changed to the hub-and –spoke system, and many airlines went bankrupt or were consumed by bigger airlines. Mark commuted from California to New York for one year working for Northeastern Airlines. He was then hired by United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, leaving him an option. He chose Alaska Airlines where he retired as Captain in 2008, with 23 years of service.

Mark and his family moved to Gig Harbor, WA, from southern California, in 1988. In 2008, they joined Evangelical Reformed Church, Tacoma, WA. Pastor Rich Hamlin will say final words at the burial at Tahoma National Cemetery, and officiate the Memorial service at Evangelical Reformed Church later in April.

Mark died in Gig Harbor on Tuesday morning, March 27, 2018, after being under Hospice care in their home. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Eileen; his son, Matthew, with Joanna and their two children, Michael and Rachel Adkins of Tacoma, WA; and son, Thomas, of WA. His sister, Judy Bryant, of Tulsa, OK, survives him, as does his father, Wayne Adkins, also of Tulsa, OK.

Donations may be made to Evangelical Reformed Church 7435 South Madison, Tacoma, WA 98409.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Wayne Adkins, please visit our floral store.