Marion Lee Eakins, III, 83, of Robards, Kentucky, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2019, at his home.

He was a member of Robards Christian Church in Robards, Kentucky.  Marion Lee was a Shriner.  He was a community leader always fighting to keep Robards alive.  Marion Lee worked hard to incorporate Robards as a city and served as its first mayor.  He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Lee Eakins, Jr., and Lucille Wade Eakins.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Shirley; two children, Marcus Lee Eakins, IV, and his wife, Michelle Lee Eakins, of Robards, Kentucky, and Sondra Ann Neel of Niagara, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Whitlee Renee Neel, Bethanee Lynn Neel, Kaytee Ann Neel Stone and her husband, Chad Stone, Julia Raye Eakins, and Olivia Anne Eakins; three great-grandchildren, Daxton Davis, Violet Renee Houston, and Bennett Stone; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Avery Stone and Elese Stone.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Robards Christian Church.  The Reverend Amy Cates will officiate.  Private burial will be in Eakins Cemetery in Robards, Kentucky.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the church.

Contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Hospice or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Pallbearers will be Gene Salyers, Hugh Sellers, Jack Sasse, Don Sasse, Norman Edwards, David Sellers, Russell Ray Sights, Bobby Crafton, and Jim Vincent.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .