Thurmen "Tom" S. Adkins

Thurmen S. “Tom” Adkins, age 83 of Troy, passed away 5:12AM on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at his residence. He was born September 4, 1939 in Lawton, WV to the late John and Geraldine (Irvin) Adkins.

Tom met his future wife Barbel Evelyn (Marklein) Adkins while stationed in Paris. They married in October 1964. She preceded him in death in 2005.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include his daughters Barbara Holman and her husband Billy of Troy and Sandra Shumate and her husband Bruce of Atlanta, GA; as well as his granddaughters Eve and Sage Shumate.

Tom was a US Army veteran. He was a member of VFW Post #5436, Troy, AmVets Post#88, Troy, and Troy Eagles #971.

Tom’s training in law enforcement was taken through the Dayton Police Academy.  He began his law enforcement career as a police officer for the Troy Police Department where he served 6 ½ years. It was during this time that he received his associate’s degree from Sinclair Community College in Dayton and his bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement from University of Dayton in 1975. He also worked as a private investigator after starting Adkins Detective Agency.

In 1977 he was elected Miami County Sheriff, where education of the public in general safety, neighborhood watch programs, rape prevention seminars, and highway safety received high priority.

After serving as Sheriff, Tom worked as an investigator for the Montgomery County Prosecutor until his retirement in 2000. Tom was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to travel, garden, sail and spend time with his granddaughters. He lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held 11:00AM Monday, May 22, 2023 at Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy with Pastor Rebecca Sousek officiating. A visitation will be from 10:00AM-11:00AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Miami County: 3230 N. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373 or the Miami County FOP Lodge 58: PO Box 1051, Troy, OH 45373

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