Eric Clay Adkins, 71, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sep. 7, 2026, at his suite at the Delhi Post Acute nursing center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was born August 14, 1955, in Jacksonville, Illinois, the son of Janet Jokisch Adkins and Walter Adkins of Ashland, Illinois.

He is survived by his sons, Ben Adkins and Travis Adkins; his daughter, Lauren Adkins Knose; four grandchildren, Cecelia Knose, Raquel Knose, Riley Adkins, and Lucas Adkins; his sister, Gail Hitchock; and his brothers, Alan Adkins, Brian Adkins, and Jay Adkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two puppies, Sheba and Dock.

Eric was a journeyman electrician, proud union member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local #193, dog lover, and avid flying enthusiast. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed flying his yellow ultralight plane, driving his golf cart around town to chat with friends, and seeing his kids and grandkids.

There will be a graveside service for family and friends at the Ashland City Cemetery at 3:00 PM on Monday, November 9, 2026, led by Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home. The family will meet friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM to celebrate his life at the Grainery Bar & Grill (off Highway 125 in Pleasant Plains, IL) following the service. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the local animal shelter are requested in memory of Eric Adkins.