Thomas D. Akins, Jr.

Thomas D. Akins Jr., 84 – passed away November 1, 2023. Tom was born on September 14, 1939, in Burbank, California.

Tom spent his younger years in California before moving to Farmington and graduating from Farmington High School in 1957. Tom served in the Army National Guard for 10 years. He began his electrical career with Karlin Electric wiring houses in the Farmington area. He then worked as a journeyman electrician with EBASCO during the construction phase at APS. He would later be recruited to work at APS as the Maintenance Supervisor. In the years following Tom worked for a local contractor JESCO working his way to Vice President. In 1979, Tom and a partner formed EESI which performed the same work in the coal fired power industry. Five years later, Tom formed IMI to expand into the Oil & Gas industry. While the two companies had much success over the years, an abrasive blasting and coating company, SPEC, was also formed to assist with the workload coming in. In 2002, Tom became the sole owner of EESI, IMI, and SPEC.

Tom loved the Farmington community, supporting several causes throughout the years. One of which, being his favorite, was the annual Junior Livestock Auction, where he supported the youth for 40+ years. Tom was a long-time member of the San Juan Wildlife Federation, a lifetime member of the Elks Club, NRA, and a 63-year member of the IBEW 611. Tom was a 48-year member of San Juan Country Club, serving as Director for 10 of those years. During his time as Director, he was very proud of what he helped accomplish to improve the facilities for the membership.

Tom was a dedicated family man, a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Outside of family, he was very passionate about hunting, shooting, and was an avid golfer for many years. He spent many hours with his good friends shooting, discussing hunting, and shooting ballistics. Tom was able to live out his dreams, he traveled the world for great hunting experiences. Some which took him to South Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, and Argentina. One of his greatest joys was taking his family to South Africa in 2015 to enjoy what he had so many times. In retirement, Tom spent his time reloading bullets, reading a great novel, or enjoying an old western movie.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Linda, daughter Sandy, son Randy (Lisa), grandchildren Bradley, Holly (Billy), Lindsie (Ethan), Kaley (Jesse), Natalie, Ashley, Ross, Tommy, Teresa, Taylor, and Ali (Trevor). Great grandchildren Gabriel, Elle, Ary, Benny, Abby, Knox, Margot, Braxton, Lincoln, Lainey, and Ayla.

A celebration of life for Tom will be held at the San Juan Country Club on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that your thoughtfulness be directed in the form of a donation to the charity of your choosing in Tom’s name.

Tom is entrusted to Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street, Farmington, New Mexico.