Andrew Leon "Andy" Acklin Jr.
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<p class="p1">Andrew Leon "Andy" Acklin Jr., 84, of Jonesboro, died at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion.</p><p class="p1">He was born on April 14, 1930, in Cobden, the son of Andrew Thomas Acklin and Eva Green Acklin.</p><p class="p1">He married Naomi Elizabeth Rhodes Acklin on Jan. 20, 1951. She preceded him in death on March 8, 2014.</p><p class="p1">He was a devoted member of the First Church of the Nazarene for over 40 years.</p><p class="p1">He was a veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Army.</p><p class="p1">He worked for the GM&O Railroad, later known as ICG Railroad, for 35 years as a telegrapher. After his retirement from the railroad he worked as an insurance agent.</p><p class="p1">He enjoyed several hobbies, such as being a ham radio operator and making clocks.</p><p class="p1">His favorite activity was singing gospel music and playing his guitar and mandolin. He formed a bluegrass gospel band that entertained at his church and at local nursing homes. His family said he was known as a kind and gentle person who was always finding good in others and was willing to help those in need.</p><p class="p1">Survivors include his daughters, Dianne (Jim) Cross of Anna and Linda Redman of Jonesboro; a son, Jason (Angie) Acklin of Jonesboro; grandchildren Justin (Jenifer) Cross of Smyrna, Tennessee, Sarah Redman of Anna, Cody Acklin of Anna, Jacob Acklin of Jonesboro and Ethan Carlson of Jonesboro; great-grandchildren Lindsey Cross of Smyrna, Tennessee, Ethan, Molly and Jozie Redman of Anna; and a brother, Charles Acklin of Irvine, California.</p><p class="p1">He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Stanley, Ed, Howard and Glenn; and a sister, Marie Pearson.</p><p class="p1">Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Anna, with Dr. Richard Keeley officiating. Interment was in the Jonesboro Cemetery.</p><p class="p1">Military services were conducted by VFW's Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 and the Illinois honor guard.</p><p class="p1">Memorials can be made to the First Church of the Nazarene.</p><p class="p1">Crain Funeral Home Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.</p><p class="p1">To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.</p>