Remembering Coach Akins
March 9, 2023 | by Taylor Pill
WATERTOWN, Wis. — Richard Akins, former athletic director and hall of fame member of Maranatha, went home to be with his Savior on Friday, February 24 while resting at home.
“Coach” Akins graduated from Maranatha in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and then in 1993 with a Master of Science in Education (both from MBU). He was honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree by Maranatha in 2011.
On the field, Akins represented the Maranatha Baptist Bible College Crusaders on the football field from 1972-75 and then served as Athletic Director in the early 1990s. Rich served at Maranatha Baptist Academy and Bible College in numerous capacities from 1977 - 1997: Academy Football Coach (31 years from 1977 – 2008), College Athletic Director, Student Activities Director, and Recruiter. He also served as Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Jefferson, Wisconsin from 1994 – 2016.
Akins was a faithful husband to Michelle “Micki” Akins for 48 years and a loving father to Luke, Molly, Katie, and Daniel, and was a grandpa to 12 grandchildren.
A memorial service was held for Akins at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown on March 3.
