from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — John A. “Ames” Adkins, 71, of Wabash, Ind., died September 10, 2011, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Mr. Adkins was born in Marion on October 10, 1939 and later moved with his family to Somerset where he spent most of his formative years. He was a 1957 graduate of Somerset High School.

Never liking the formal name of farrier, Mr. Adkins called himself a horse shoer and for more than 60 years dedicated his life to the care of Standardbred horses. As an avid horseman, he owned and trained many horses throughout his life, and he was a member of the USTA.

Mr. Adkins married Kim G. Conard on September 17, 1981. She survives in their Wabash home. He is also survived by his son, John (Jamie); brothers, Aden (Helen) and Charles Eldom (Aida); sister, Vivian (Richard) Good; granddaughters, Miranda Renee Adkins and Rebecca Renee Roberts; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday (September 15) at the Owen-Weilert-Duncan Funeral Home, Larrison-Martin Chapel, 308 East Marion Street, Converse, Ind. The funeral service will take place at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Miller officiating. He will be laid to rest in Mississinewa Cemetery, Wabash, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.