John Bruce Eakins was born September 29th, 1947 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Peggy Lois (Thurmond) Eakins Derry and J.B. Eakins. He passed away at his home north of Crawford, Oklahoma on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at the age of 75 years, 8 months and 9 days.
Bruce grew up in Crawford, Oklahoma on the family farm and attended Crawford Schools before transferring to Cheyenne where he graduated in 1965. After graduation he furthered his education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he was majoring in pharmacy. During his time in college, he was married to Linda (Jones) on March 24th, 1967 in Leedey, Oklahoma. After their marriage they briefly lived in Weatherford before moving to Clinton.
Bruce found employment with the Clinton Police Department. He received the rank of lieutenant and was one of the 12 officers selected in the state to be a part of the first Special Narcotics Unit. In the early 70’s they moved back to the family farm where he served as undersheriff under Leon Gilliland. After leaving law enforcement he became a full-time feed salesman for Moormans Manufacturing/ADM until his retirement. It was during his time as a feed salesman, Bruce continued to live on the family farm as the 4th generation and was a member of the Crawford School Board, Roger Mills Fair Board, assisted in starting the Roger Mills National Wild Turkey Federation Chapter, founding member of the Roger Mills Sportsmen’s Club, and a proud member of the National Rifle Association. In 1987, with a telephone call from Keith Inman, Bruce and his son, Justin began Canadian River Hilton Hunting Lodge and throughout the next 36 years the family has gained unbelievable friendships and lifelong relationships that they will cherish and value for a lifetime. Besides hunting, Bruce enjoyed collecting knives and guns, reloading ammunition, driving around looking at the land, cattle, and wildlife, and spending time with his family especially taking his grandkids hunting and teaching them.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gene Eakins. He is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home; daughter, Amy Williams and husband, Josh, Coalgate, OK; son, Justin Eakins and wife, Katie, Crawford, OK; 6 grandchildren, Bray Haven and wife, Jill, Guthrie, OK, Joshua Haven and wife, Ashley, Cheyenne, OK, Sarah Haven and friend, Kale Bloomfield, Ames, OK, Allison Sinor and husband, Josh, Yukon, OK; Jacoby Williams, Coalgate, OK, and Josie Eakins, Crawford, OK; 3 great grandchildren, Adeline Haven, Scottie Haven, and Holden Haven; sister, Suzie Lowrance and husband, Garry, Cashion, OK; brother, Charles Gilliland, Orlando, FL; sister-in-law, Jeanie Eakins, Benton, MO; brother- in-law, Vernon Jones and wife, Millie, Idabell, OK; step-mother, Donnie Eakins and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Magnolia Baptist Church, Crawford, Oklahoma officiated by Randy Green and Charles Wyatt. Burial will follow at Bellview Cemetery under the direction of Chris Whinery and the staff of Affordable Cremation Service-West. Condolences can be made online at www.classicfunerals. com.