Mr. David Roy Adkins, Sr., age 84, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away quietly and peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 3:36 p.m. at the Brickyard Healthcare Center, where he had been receiving care with dignity and compassion.

Born on March 24, 1941, in Belle, West Virginia, David was the proud son of Roy Golden and Grace May (Blake) Adkins—two names that still echo with love and Appalachian grit. He grew up surrounded by the laughter, mischief, and occasional headlock of his many siblings, forging a bond of loyalty and devotion that stayed with him his whole life.

David made his way to Indiana in 1966 alongside his brother Jerry, ready to start a new chapter and carve out a life of his own. He put in over a decade of solid, hardworking years at Patriot Homes in Elkhart, where he built more than mobile homes—he built a quiet legacy of commitment and strength.

Now let's not pretend David was a social butterfly. In fact, if he ever won an award, it might've been for "Most Likely to Politely Dodge Small Talk." He was a man of few words, but when surrounded by his kind of people—down-to-earth, unfiltered, and full of stories—he'd surprise you by turning into the unexpected heartbeat of the party. With a Budweiser in hand and a sly grin on his face, David could party like a pro—though he'd never admit he was enjoying himself.

He enjoyed the simpler things in life: long walks, good music, and an occasional spin at the casino. If you asked him for a ride, you'd better be prepared to hoof it—because in his book, "everywhere was walking distance if you had the time." He was a firm believer in fresh air, independence, and the beat of heavy-metal rock and roll.

David had a deep and abiding love for animals, especially cats. While some folks have pets, David had a revolving door of stray visitors who seemed to sense his kind heart. They came for food but stayed for the man himself—gruff on the outside, marshmallow in the middle.

He also held a deep reverence for family, proven by a story that says more about him than any long speech ever could: when his mother fell ill back in West Virginia, David dropped everything to be by her side. He stayed for five years. That quiet act of love and loyalty spoke volumes about who he truly was.

In his later years, when his health began to decline, David moved in with his devoted nephew Ron, who gave him care, comfort, and dignity until a more structured setting became necessary. But make no mistake—David's spirit never wavered, and neither did his love for his family.

He is survived by his sister, Caroline Sue Gibson of Elkhart; nephews Joseph (Carol Sue) Gibson, Philip (Erin Knoll) Gibson, and Ron (Sonita) Gibson, all of Elkhart; and great-nephews Joseph Jr. and Jonathan, along with a loving host of extended family, friends, and neighbors who respected him for exactly who he was.

He now joins in eternal rest his brothers Paul, Doug, Jerry, Joe, Delbert and Ted Adkins; infant twin brothers Rex and Gene Carroll; and his sisters Alice Palmer and Betty VanAtter.

David's life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elkhart, with a visitation and memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Jeremy Sarber. Cremation has already taken place, just as David wished—no fuss, no frills, just peace.

He may not have been the loudest voice in the room or the first to raise his hand, but David Roy Adkins, Sr. lived a life rich in quiet kindness, loyalty, and a touch of rock and roll. He'll be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.