Edward Hedley Van Akin

Edward Hedley Van Akin passed away on November 8, 2024, in Orlando, FL. He was born on March 25, 1932, in Galesburg, Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joan Tavel Van Akin whom he married on February 15, 1958, in Orlando, FL, his daughter, Karen Van Akin Baer and her husband Russell Kevin Baer of Dunedin, FL, 2 granddaughters, Kaylee Elizabeth Baer & Emily Rose Baer. He was predeceased by his parents, Rex Edward & Mary Esther Hedley Van Akin. 

 He graduated from Albany High School, Albany, New York in 1950 and was a graduate of Colgate University in 1954. He then was a SAC (Strategic Air Command) Pilot from 1954-1959 in the United States Air Force and continued in the Air Force Reserves as a Captain for 5 years following. He had a long, fulfilling 30+ year career at Lockheed Martin Aerospace from 1959-1993. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, a long-standing member of First Baptist Church of Orlando (1959-2024) and was very involved in his Life Group with various mission projects over the years and MOLMS (Men of Like Minds) bible study group. He belonged to the Country Club of Orlando from 1960 - 2024 and served as President in 1997. He was an avid golfer and played many of the top courses all over the world. He will be remembered as a loving & kind husband, father, and grandfather and “One of the Good Guys”.