John Nuel Akins

John Nuel Akins, 74, of Portage Lakes went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 14, 2022. John was born in Barberton on May 27, 1947 to Carl and Delcia Akins, the 4th of 8 children.

John was a graduate of Manchester High School and a proud US Air Force Veteran, serving for four years in the Vietnam Conflict at the rank of Sergeant.

John accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1974 and started Salt and Light Ministries, ministering in several coffee houses. John was the founding Pastor of Emmanuel Christian Assembly in Barberton, where he served for many years. He also helped to establish several churches in Moldova, the Ukraine and the United States. He had a music ministry with his brother Tony and they sang in many churches in Summit County where they ministered the Gospel of Christ.

John was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Delcia; brothers Carlos and Carl “Tony”; and beloved wife Sue; He is survived by his daughters Jana Gallinger of Colorado Springs and Stacie Akins (Thomas) of Barberton; brothers Terry of Portage Lake; sisters Peggy (John) Thursby of NC, Beverly Diane (Joe) Dias of Stow, Cathy Franks of Wadsworth and Bonnie (Dane) Workman of Barberton; 3 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Pastor Joe Schoblocher for his faithfulness and friendship and to the staff of Akron General Medical Center, especially to nurse Joe.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, May 18th from 6-7 p.m. at Emmanuel Christian Assembly Church, 925 West Hopocan Ave., Barberton. A Memorial Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ECA Mission Fund. To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit www.silva-hostetler.com