Memorial

David Arthur Akers, 67 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away peacefully July 3, 2022.  So, with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

Dave was born July 29, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Vernon and Inez Akers, the only brother to Julia Bernot and Sandra Cox.  Dave enjoyed hunting and fishing at all ages, and many have shared these ever-lasting memories along with him. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1972, joining the United States Navy September 21, 1972, serving during the Vietnam War.  From boot camp in San Diego, California fall of 1972 to six month electrical technical training in Jacksonville, Florida, Dave began his service located out of Moffett Naval Air Station, Mountview, California spring of 1973, as Electrician Mate 3rd Class E4.  His first six-month deployment was to Iwakuni, Japan in 1974, followed by another deployment to Kadena, Okinawa, Dave was able to visit 16 countries in six months.  Returning to Moffett Naval Air Station and honorable discharge in spring 1976.  During Dave’s service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He remained in Coalinga, California for a short time, returning to Iowa occasionally and then permanently fall 1979.   Dave began his new career that September at the Cedar Rapids Water Pollution Control Center, retiring March 2011.

Dave inherited the Akers fun gene.  He loved to have lots of fun and was a lot of fun to be around.  Julie, Dave, and Sandy had a deep love for each other and a special bond as they grew older.  Some of our best memories were riding around in his boat with him, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful sunshine.  He loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest.

Although a young world traveler, many of us remember Dave as a family man, and everyone was family to him.  A strong, dependable father figure to his nieces Angie Moseman and Kristina Good.  He was never short on building their young character with daily visits, fishing trips or a little ‘Chop! Chop!’ motivation.  As the girls grew, the visits turned toward visiting him.  Dave was always up for a road trip with his sister, Julie, cruising with the top down so she could get some sun, a pastime all the great-nieces and nephews would enjoy as well.  Dave was helpful teaching many of us how to complete home projects, skills we would later use to return the favor to him later in life.  Dave enjoyed his trips east to visit Sandy and her family. He was quite the handyman helping in person or over the phone instructing us all on how to do the job successfully.  We even got an occasional text with a detailed drawing. Ha!

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. John 14:27-28

Dave is survived by his sister, Sandra (Marty) Cox; nieces, Angie (Don) Moseman and Kristina Good; nephews, Nathaniel and Alex Cox; great nieces and nephews, Kasandra, David, Ann, Iris, Astrella.  Dave was greeted in Heaven by his parents Vernon and Inez, sister Julie, nephew Samuel, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. 

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life Ceremony which will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 23rd at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories: 4200 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402. Visitation will be held one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 AM at the chapel.  Following the Celebration of Life, the family will be having a luncheon at the Cedar Memorial Park Family Center. 

Dave was a simple man and enjoyed being casual.  In honor of Dave, we ask you to please come as you are, shorts, jeans, t-shirts, etc. Please wear bright colors as we are celebrating his life and entry into Heaven.