William "Delane" Adkins

William "Delane" Adkins, 79 years of age, of Smithfield, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, Nebraska.

Visitation for William "Delane" Adkins will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 with the family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

Delane was born March 13, 1938 at Clarksburg, West Virginia, the third of six children born to William Ronald and Thelma (Stout) Adkins. He received his education from Jane Lew, West Virginia.  At a young age, Delane began to help on the family farm near Kincheloe, West Virginia. In the years to come, Delane began a long career as a heavy equipment operator in the uranium, coal, and gold mines. In addition working in the mines, he was also employed in construction for many years throughout the country that included West Virginia, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. He also worked a short stint in Guiana, South America.

In October 1959, he was united in marriage to Erma Jean Sharp, and to this union four sons were born:  Leland Dean, Jeffery Dane, Timothy Darrell, and Scotty Dale. The family made their home in Kincheloe, West Virginia. In the years to come this marriage ended in divorce. Delane continued to work with heavy equipment in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.

In 2007, due to health reasons, Delane relocated to Smithfield, Nebraska to be closer to family. Delane's passion in life was Pontiac cars, as he was known as "The Pontiac Man." He had an immense knowledge any model of Pontiac from inside and out. Many friends were formed throughout the years going to swap meets, and auctions, who relied on him for not only his expertise of antique cars, but parts as well. Delane also dedicated the last 19 years to raising his son, Brandon D. Adkins. With his Delane's health concerns, a large part of his will to live was to see his son, Brandon graduate high school, and begin a life of his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Martha Adkins, and Neva Frendiz.

Delane is survived by his five sons: Dean Adkins of Horner, West Virginia; Jeff Adkins of Horner; Tim Adkins and his wife, Kim of Holdrege; Scott Adkins of Weston, West Virginia; and Brandon Adkins of Smithfield, Nebraska; two daughters from a previous marriage: Tina Hicks and her husband, Randy of North Carolina, and Kim Bonnett and her husband, Steve of Weston; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers:  Dewane Adkins and his wife, Linda of Massachusetts; Dale Adkins of Weston; and Glendale Adkins and his wife, Sandy of Denver, Colorado; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

An additional visitation will be held at the Pat Boyle Funeral Home in Jane Lew, West Virginia on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. for family and friends.

Graveside Services and Interment will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Broad Run Cemetery near Lightburn, West Virginia.

A memorial has been established in Delane's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.