Obituary for Robert James Akens
Robert James Akens
February 6, 1932- May 11, 2020
Born in Portis, Kansas, “Bob” grew up on the family farm near Downs, Kansas (pop < 400). His first eight school years were at a small country schoolhouse. He graduated from Downs High School in 1949 as president of his senior class.
Selected to attend the Naval Academy, graduating in 1954, he continued into the Pilot training program. He was always extremely proud of his years flying fighter jets off aircraft carriers.
While at the Naval Academy, Bob met his future wife Oremalee (Lee). Married in June 1954, they have shared nearly 66 years together.
In 1960, he left the Navy and began a career in the securities industry. Earning an MBA from the University of Delaware he progressed to a buy-side stock analyst at Gulf and Western and ultimately a portfolio manager with Olayan America on Park Avenue in New York, retiring in 1997.
Bob loved travelling and together with Lee visited a majority of the United States, Cuba, as well as much of Europe. He particularly enjoyed visiting his daughter Trish in Switzerland and daughter Sue and granddaughter Katie in California. He had a strong belief in education and served on his daughters’ school-board and supported both to earn graduate degrees.
Always retaining his midwestern friendliness, Bob was inquisitive and quick to start up a conversation. He enjoyed so much sharing discussions about what professionally and academically young people were doing. His engaging smile will be missed!
Bob is survived by his wife, Lee; daughters Trish(Anders) and Susan; granddaughter Katie; and brother Jerry (Donna Kay).
Funeral services and interment are private.
February 6, 1932- May 11, 2020
Born in Portis, Kansas, “Bob” grew up on the family farm near Downs, Kansas (pop < 400). His first eight school years were at a small country schoolhouse. He graduated from Downs High School in 1949 as president of his senior class.
Selected to attend the Naval Academy, graduating in 1954, he continued into the Pilot training program. He was always extremely proud of his years flying fighter jets off aircraft carriers.
While at the Naval Academy, Bob met his future wife Oremalee (Lee). Married in June 1954, they have shared nearly 66 years together.
In 1960, he left the Navy and began a career in the securities industry. Earning an MBA from the University of Delaware he progressed to a buy-side stock analyst at Gulf and Western and ultimately a portfolio manager with Olayan America on Park Avenue in New York, retiring in 1997.
Bob loved travelling and together with Lee visited a majority of the United States, Cuba, as well as much of Europe. He particularly enjoyed visiting his daughter Trish in Switzerland and daughter Sue and granddaughter Katie in California. He had a strong belief in education and served on his daughters’ school-board and supported both to earn graduate degrees.
Always retaining his midwestern friendliness, Bob was inquisitive and quick to start up a conversation. He enjoyed so much sharing discussions about what professionally and academically young people were doing. His engaging smile will be missed!
Bob is survived by his wife, Lee; daughters Trish(Anders) and Susan; granddaughter Katie; and brother Jerry (Donna Kay).
Funeral services and interment are private.