Ryan Ira Adkins

Ryan Ira Adkins, the son of Dennis and Melanie, was born September 29, 1977, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa and died in a motorcycle accident on May 27, 2010, at the age of 32 years, 7 months, and 28 days. Ryans constant companion Chester his dog was with him and survived the accident.
Ryan was baptized at the Exira Christian Church. He attended Exira Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1996. While in school, Ryan enjoyed participating in sports. He played football and ran track. While in Junior High he held the record for the mile run which remained unbroken for many years.
Ryan had hoped to join the Armed Services, but was unable to due to a previous injury. Ryan attended Bartending School in Des Moines, Iowa then worked for his father during the day and worked at night as a bartender for his Uncle Bart at the Feedlot in Atlantic, Iowa. During this time he was attending Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. While living in Exira he was a volunteer firefighter for the Exira Fire Department.
Ryan moved to West Des Moines, Iowa and was employed by the City of Clive and also was a fire fighter and EMT for West Des Moines Fire Department. In 2007 he traveled to Iraq where he worked as a firefighter for a private government contractor. He was stationed at Camp Falcon and later camp Victory. He returned from Iraq in April of 2009 and retired. Since he returned he enjoyed riding his motorcycle across the United States and he helped Nick Sorensen doing construction in Jefferson, Iowa and (going fishing). Ryan was always helpful and there for family and friends and would help anyone in need.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents: June and Naomi Peppers, Harold Adkins, RomaJean and Bob Zika, and Chuck Plunkett; his great grandfather: Ira (Pappy) Reed; and his Uncle Rodney Adkins.
Survivors include his parents: Denny and Melanie; his sisters: Amber and husband Ryan Wilson and their children: Evan Shelbi, Eric and Michelle, Kylie and husband Brad Stroeher and their children: Joshua, Jesse, and Lucas, Lacey Heinrichs and special friend Carson Smith all of Exira, Iowa; Ryans special friend Jennifer Swanson of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandmother: Lil Plunkett of Lebanon, Missouri; his dog Chester; Aunts, Uncles, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Cemetery:
Following cremation, the family will have a private disposition at a later date.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Sunday, May 30, 2010 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Alan Finestead on Monday, May 31, 2010, at 2:00 P.M. at the Exira Christian Church in Exira, Iowa.