Robert Gene Adkins, 82

EAST LIVERPOOL – Robert Gene Adkins, of East Liverpool, passed away Saturday evening, August 23, 2025, at Covington Skilled Nursing following a lengthy illness. He was 82 years old.

Born in East Liverpool, February 8, 1943, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Bertha Stewart Adkins. A lifetime area resident, Bob was an East Liverpool High School graduate and remained a Potter fan for life. He then graduated from Humboldt Institute and returned home. He worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as a local agent and then worked at the Dawson Funeral Home from 1987 until his retirement in 2021. A man of faith, he was a member of the Northside Community Church where he served as the treasurer for many years and played on the church softball team. He enjoyed cheering for the Duke basketball team, especially while alongside his wife.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann McElhaney Adkins, whom he married May 19, 1963. He is also survived by a daughter, Jodi Barnhouse and her husband, Mark, of Copley, Ohio, and a son Jeffrey Adkins and his partner, Rhonda Ryman, of Pittsburgh. There are four grandchildren: Tyler Barnhouse, Mallory Buchheit (Justin), McKenna Adkins and Brayden Barnhouse.

In addition, he leaves behind his three brothers, David Adkins and his wife, Susan, Larry Adkins and his wife, Andrea, and Tim Adkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Paul Adkins.

Rev. Norman Eckert conducted a private family service at the Dawson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Bob's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.