Funeral arrangements for David Adkinson, former coordinator of Kentucky search and rescue programs

FRANKFORT — David Myron Adkinson, 59, died Tues., Oct. 5, 2004 at Hospice Care Center, Lexington.

He was born July 30, 1945 in Harrodsburg to the late Lee Olan and Margaret Ann Sims Adkinson. A 1963 graduate of Harrodsburg High School, attended Eastern Kentucky University and Kentucky State University. He served with the U.S. Navy. A member of Cornishville Christian Church where he had served as a Deacon, Elder, Vocalist and Song Leader. In recent years, he attended Jessamine Christian Church in Nicholasville. 

He served as Driver Improvement Officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky from August 1968-April 1972. 

In March 1973, while employed as a fireman for the City of Harrodsburg, he was appointed the first director of emergency ambulance services sponsored jointly by the Harrodsburg and Mercer County Governments. 

From 1976-1980, he was a Field Representative for the Emergency Medical Services Branch of the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs, he was named the Coordinator for Search and Rescue Programs. Affectionately known as the "Sar Czar" Adkinson oversaw the distribution of grant monies to Kentucky Rescue Squads. He and his co-instructor, Norman Lawson, taught search and rescue techniques across the Commonwealth for over 17 years. A three year member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Search and Rescue, Adkinson was a proponent of specialized training for specific rescues, such as swift water, underground, and rugged terrain. 

He retired from Emergency Management Administration, Kentucky Department of Military Affairs in October 2000. He was employed in the Emergency Medical Services Branch of the University of Kentucky Athletics Department from 1974-1998 and the Lexington Civic Center from 1977-1998. His duties included driving the Firs-Aid Cart and serving as an Emergency Medical Technician for U.K. Athletic events and Rupp Arena events. 

After his retirement, he was employed by the Message Center for the Legislative Research Commission. 

Being a direct descendant of Union Soldiers who fought with the 9th Kentucky Calvary at Battle of Perryville during the Civil War, he was the past Post Commander and the present Department Commander for the Sgt. Elijah Marrs, Camp 5, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. He was also the past Adjutant for the Sons of the Union Veterans Reserve and the current Secretary-Treasurer of the Kentucky Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. 

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kandie Prather Adkinson, Frankfort. One son Travis Scott and his wife Kim "Whaley" Adkinson of Lexington. Three grandaughters Kayla Grace, Hannah Rose and Caroline Elizabeth Adkinson. One brother Ronald Lee Adkinson and his wife Cathy of Orlando, FL. And several nieces and nephews. Four aunts Doris Sims, Boyle County, Hilda Sims, Mercer County, Mary K. Drury, Harrodsburg and Mary Louise Adkinson Biloxi, Ms. And a host of cousins and friends. 

Funeral services will be conducted 11 am Sat. at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at Grapevine Christian Church Cemetery by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, SVR, and MOLLUS. Visitation 4-9 pm Fri., and after 7 am Sat., at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to any rescue squad, search dog association or the Marcus & Josephine Prather Scholarship Fund.

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