Luther Melvin Adkins of Sudlersville, Maryland, died at home, Tuesday July 17, 2001.

He was 85.

Mr. Adkins was born April 8, 1916 in Woodside, Delaware, the son of the late Luther M. and Mattie Hoffecker Adkins.

Mr. Adkins received the Bronze Star in the United States Army and retired as a Captain after 22 years of service. He later worked as the Industrial Relations Manager for Playtex in Dover, Delaware, for 18 years before retiring in 1973.

He was a Class of 1933 graduate of Smyrna High School.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katherine Elizabeth Everett Adkins;

2 sons, Charles Melvin Adkins at home and Robert James Adkins of Cupertino, California and a sister-in-law, Mary E. Baker of Green Brook, New Jersey; 2 grandchildren, Sara and Mark Adkins both of Reston, Virginia and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Adkins Wallis and a sister-in-law, Charlotte E. Robinson.

Graveside services will be Saturday July 21, 2001 at 11AM in Odd Fellows Cemetery, DuPont Highway Smyrna, Delaware.

Friends may call Friday from 7 to 9PM in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main Street Smyrna, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Downs Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Virginia Jones, 6703 Sudlersville Road Marydel MD 21649.

(07/17/01)