Adkisson, John Owen, 55, of Sandy, Utah, formerly of North Platte, died Dec. 7, 2004, in Hawaii.

He was born June 5, 1949, at Farnam. He grew to manhood in the North Platte area, graduating from North Platte High in 1967. After graduation John joined the military and was married. To this marriage three children were born, Todd, Kim and Toni. John completed his tour of duty in Viet Nam. After the service John returned to North Platte where he farmed and worked for the railroad. He moved to Utah in 1986 and was employed by Hexcel Corporation. At the time of his death he was a supervisor. John loved his family and loved spending time with them. Several times a year he made the trip back from Utah and all the family would gather at Mom and Keith's home. John enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid hunter and was a Nevada Class B State Champion in Nevada in sporting clays. He was a Utah Champion and had a shoot named after him.

John met the love of his life, Shelly Balback in Utah. They enjoyed skiing and hunting and spending time together. They were married in Hawaii Dec. 2, 2004.

Survivors include his wife, Shelly of Sandy, Utah; a son, Todd (Crystal) of Sutherland; two daughters, Kim (Kenny) Hicks of Kearney and Toni of Sutherland; mother and stepfather, Ruby and Keith Sailors of North Platte; three brothers, Larry (Kathy) of North Platte, Dennis of Omaha, Steve (Tracey) of San Diego; and a sister, Vicy (Barry) Pedersen of Trenton; three grandchildren, Shane, Stephen, and Nathan of Sutherland; four stepsisters, Donna (Tim) Smith of North Platte, Sheryl (Randy) Melton of Lincoln, Linda (Rich) Hoaglund of North Platte, and Kim (Randy) James of Lincoln; father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Joan Balback of Dillon, Mont.; and brother-in-law, Marvin Lee (Gillian) Balback of Seattle; three aunts and an uncle, Lula Stapp of Cambridge, Lavon Woody of North Platte, Illa (Bud) Warner of North Platte, and Harold Cochran of Norton, Kan.; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, Tim Flack and his wife of Utah.

John was preceded in death by his father, Dale Adkisson.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Tom Wiles officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte.

North Platte Telegraph, 10 Dec 2004