By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
Jul 3, 1944 — Jul 10, 2026
Langley, Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Tommy Dean Akin, 82-year-old Langley resident, passed away July 10, 2026, at home surrounded by family. He was born on July 3, 1944, in Disney, Oklahoma to Willaim and Garland (Zimmerman) Akin. He married Genell Spears in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 6, 1977.
Tommy spent his career as a diesel mechanic in power plants where he ensured that everything was operating effectively for production. He eventually rose to become the Supervisor of the Service Department and then Manager before retiring. In retirement, Tommy remodeled his and Genell’s home in Langley and was known for taking care of the neighborhood. He often would mow neighbors’ yards, keep an eye out on the property of seasonal residents, and was overall the neighborhood caretaker.
In his spare time, Tommy enjoyed woodworking and “supervising” the kids with various tasks. He was known for telling them, “Kids, go ahead and do it; then, do it the right way.” He was also an avid Oklahoma Sooners sports fan and enjoyed watching OU play the various athletic events.
Tommy was a talented, loving, and caring individual and he will be missed by all who know and love him.
He is survived by his wife, Genell, of the home; children, Colleen Jean Garrett (Grady) of Claremore, Robin Smith of Tulsa, Tommy Wayne Akin (Chris) of Claremore, Kathy Bagby (John) of Tulsa, Sharla White of Tulsa, Micheal Dean Akin (Karen) of Claremore, John Thomas Akin of Oklahoma City, and Raymond James Akin of Langley; sister, Joyce Brown of Bartlesville; brothers, James Neil Akin (Janis) of Broken Arrow, and Gary Akin (Fayrene) of Tulsa; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and bonus child, Julie Dunlap of Broken Arrow and many other bonus children.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Cathleen Akin; parents; and siblings, Norman Akin, Larry Akin, Don Akin, and Phyllis Chambers.
