Danny Joe Akens, 71 of Redmon, Illinois, passed away at 5:24 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. He was a maintenance mechanic for Paris Community Hospital for 19 years, retiring in 2011. He had previously worked for MECO and Hyster. He was born May 31, 1949 in Paris, the son of the late Lee and Dorothy (Ramsey) Akens. He married Brenda L. Switzer October 1, 1983 in Chrisman and she survives. Other survivors include his children, David (Annie) Winans of Indianola, Illinois, Tish Riggs of Paris, Sarah (Joshua) Woods of Paris, and Melissa (Matthew) Allen of Danville; one brother Donald Akens of McMinnville, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Wesley (Halle) Winans, Katie Winans, Noah Riggs, Hannah Riggs, Fox Davis, Alexis Burton, Aaron Allen, and Vanessa Allen; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Dale Akens; and a granddaughter Kristen Winans. Mr. Akens served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a life member and Past Commander of American Legion Post 211, actively serving on the Legion Honor Guard for military funerals. He was a member and past Chef de Gare of 40 & 8 Voiture Locale #594, and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Danny enjoyed camping and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed his time spent with his grandchildren and his beloved companion, Teddy. For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to Faith in Action of Edgar County or American Legion Post 211. SERVICE INFORMATION A memorial service celebrating Danny's life was conducted at 12 noon on April 7, 2021, at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris. Bro. Kurt Speece officated, and interment with military honors followed in Embarrass Cemetery near Redmon, Illinois. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Please consider sharing a memory, photo, or condolence with Danny’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com