Oscar Lee Adkins, resident of Ponca City, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022. He was 71 years old. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2 pm at Ponca City Church at 700 W. Chestnut. On behalf of Oscar, the family is requesting that no one wear black. Those wishing to share with the family, one of their favorite memories of Oscar, may post to the family Facebook page, “In loving memory of Oscar Lee Adkins”.

Oscar was born on May 27, 1950 in Pawnee, Ok. to his parents, Oscar and Dorothy (Stigall) Adkins. He grew up in Ponca City. On April 17, 1968, Oscar married the ‘twinkle of his eye’, Toy Guthrie. They began their lifelong journey together, by welcoming their first son, Gary. They continued showing their love and dedication throughout the years with the birth of their children, Mike, Christina, and Billy. One of Oscar’s earliest jobs was at the Leonard’s grocery store of Ponca City, followed by the 7-up Company, and Smith International. Early in their marriage, Oscar and Toy enjoyed walking everywhere they went. He was a true family-man, working hard to support his large family of six, at a young age. Oscar and Toy had to be creative in their Christmas wrapping techniques. They learned it was best to wrap the kids’ gifts at night, and not bring them home until the last minute so the kids can’t find them. In the late 70’s, the family moved to Marland, OK, which became Oscar’s “Cheers” town, because ‘everyone knew his name’. At different events, Oscar would try his hardest to dance with his bride, but his two-left feet would not allow him to do so. Throughout their marriage, they have traveled to Alaska, Florida, Texas, and Alabama. Alaska was Oscar’s favorite place of tranquility. He loved to babysit his grandchildren, as long as they were potty-trained. “When they get out of diapers, I will start babysitting!”, was his go-to line. Oscar found peace being outdoors, especially fishing with his family. He also adored watching Bob Ross, to get inspiration for when he painted on steer skulls, saws, and canvas.

He had nicknames for most of his grandchildren. He cherished the moments with his grandson, Timothy, as they bonded while listening to Lady Gaga’s, “Poker Face”. He never met a stranger, as he was friendly to everyone that came across his path. Oscar loved to joke around and tell stories. Some of his family can still hear the times when Oscar would remind them that, “the best thing to do, is usually the hardest thing to do.” Oscar treasured his deep friendship with lifelong friend, Charlie LeClair, and his nephew, Toby Burdick, in whom he considered his own.

One year, during Halloween when the kids were young, Oscar tried scaring Gary. He put on a trench coat and a skeleton mask. When he walked into the dark hallway with Gary, Gary shrieked with utter fear. Gary’s screams were so believable, that Oscar thought Gary was screaming because someone was behind him, thus, causing him to run towards Gary. Gary feared for his life that a man in a trench coat was coming for him, so they both were screaming and running for their lives.

Oscar planted two cherry trees in his front yard, which blossomed with abundant delicious cherries. Around Thanksgiving of this year, his son Mike had made him a homemade cherry pie with those homegrown cherries, which Oscar was grateful.

He is survived by his wife, Toy Adkins; son, Gary (Angie) Adkins; son, Mike (Miranda) Adkins; daughter, Christina (Kasey Cloud) Lewis; son, Billy Adkins. Grandchildren: Bradley Adkins, Timothy (Joey) Adkins, Justin Adkins, Hope Adkins, Braden Hicks, Ashton Adkins, Andrew Adkins, Dylan Hicks, Chrissy Adkins, and Dalton (Britaney) Wells. Great-grandchildren: Dalton Adkins, Paisley Adkins, Carter Adkins, Draper Wells, Stetson Wells. Step-mother, LaDeana Adkins; sister, Bonnie Shoffner; sister, Cheryl (Jody) Wright; sister, Arcilia Louise Carter; sister, LaDonna Adkins; sister, Tonnie Ingandello; brother, Lavon Lewis; sister, Gretchen (Preston) Neilson. Best friends Charlie LeClair and Toby Burdick. His faithful companions - his dogs, Ike, Sarge, and Sam, and his parrot, Sunshine.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Dorothy (Stigall) Adkins; grandson, Austin Adkins; and sister, Janie Taylor Adkins.

Honorary pallbearers Charlie LeClair, and all the Burdick family. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the family’s Go-Fund-Me page for ‘Oscar Lee Adkins’, to help with funeral arrangements and final expenses.

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