Obituary of Vernon Eugene Akers

Age 58, of Channahon, Illinois passed from this life Monday evening, July 15, 2024 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Gene was born July 13, 1966 in Chicago and at a young age moved to the suburbs with his family.  He was a graduate with the class of 1984 from Plainfield High School, continuing his education at Devry Institute of Technology.

He was employed by Alcatel Lucent Technologies (Alcatel and formerly AT&T) for 28 years.

A family man, Gene never missed an opportunity to get involved in his children’s activities throughout the years. 

He is the beloved father of Amber (Patrick) Carlin, Neill Babcock, Kevin (Kieree) Akers, Zach (McKenna) Akers and Megan Akers; proud grandpa of Lilliegh Jane “LJ”, River; Makenna, Sean and Liam; fond brother of J. Dave (Tammi) Akers; dear uncle of DJ, Derrik and Austin.  Also surviving are his step-father, Howard Jolliffe; aunts, Becky Newberry and Margie Akers; uncles, Ike Rhodes and Carson Akers as well as many cousins.

Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jane Jolliffe and father, Vernon Akers.

Gene’s hobbies included fishing, hunting and most all sports. He was a huge fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines Football team. Go Blue!

He will be remembered most for being a solid guy with a heart of gold who will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Visitation for Gene will be Friday, July 19, 2024 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd) Joliet.  Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.