Johnnie Lee “John” Adkins, Jr., 68, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away from pneumonia due to complications of his paralysis, Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
He was born on April 9, 1958, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Johnnie Lee, Sr. and Gladys Marguerite (Little) Adkins. On March 26, 1977, he married Cindy Wellman in Fort Madison, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife: Cindy; two children: Heather (Nathan) Burch of Spring Hill, Kansas, Jake (Jennie) Adkins of Donnellson, Iowa; four granddaughters: Claire Burch, Chloe Burch, Evelyn Adkins, Adella Adkins; two brothers: David (Mary) Adkins of Primrose, Iowa, Randall (Sue) McCarty of Keokuk, Iowa; in-laws: Frances Schmitz of Montrose, Iowa, Dave (Pat) Wellman of Overland Park, Kansas, Phil (Jackie) Wellman of Florence, Arizona, Steve (Bonnie) Wellman of Guntersville, Alabama, Cathy (Mike) Salata of Franklin, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws: John and Cecelia Wellman; sister: Tonya Adkins; brother-in-law: Philip Schmitz; nephew: Nathan Adkins; several aunts and uncles.
John was a 1976 graduate of Central Lee High School. After high school he was employed by DuPont, Colleague Iowa and Roquette. John loved fishing, hunting and restoring old cars in the first chapter of his life. He had his pilot license, loved riding his Harley and cruising in his restored Corvettes and classic cars. He and his brother were the original American Pickers. John could fix anything. He loved boating, canoeing with friends, car cruises with Cindy and friends and supporting his kids in all their activities.
Following a single car accident on December 20, 2006, that left him paralyzed, he started the second chapter of his life where he found many new loves. His knowledge of cars was endless. He took pride in supervising and guiding many car restorations and repairs. His love for cars led him to start his annual car get together. His friends fixed up his 1969 Olds Cutlass and adapted it allowing him to still feel the wind blowing in his hair while leaving his wheelchair behind. Weather permitting, he looked forward to driving his wheelchair to Dahms or Ellingboes for coffee breaks and also liked listening to 1970s music. He was an active member of the library board and an integral part of building the new Donnellson Library. He loved drives with his friends, watching nature and treating the neighborhood kids and dogs to gummy worms and pup treats. John was always up for a good conversation on any subject with anyone - John loved people. His greatest joys were his family. John and Cindy celebrated nearly fifty years of marriage. He was so proud of Heather and Jake and the parents they have become, following in the footsteps modeled by he and Cindy. He adored his granddaughters - watching them grow taking them on their favorite wheelchair rides and supporting them in all they do. John gave the ultimate gift to others through organ and tissue donation.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, ER, ICU, Respiratory, Palliative Care, and Comfort Care Unit, as well as the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, among others.
John’s body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Father Gary Beckman officiating.
Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fort Madison.
In lieu of flowers memorials have been established in his memory for Donnellson Fire and Rescue, Paralyzed Veterans of America or the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com
