Earl M. "Skeezix" Adkisson, 84, of Atwood, IL, passed away at 2:48 P.M., Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the Sullivan Health Care Center, Sullivan, IL

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the Atwood Airport, 120 East County Road 1275 North, Atwood, IL. Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Atwood, IL is handling the arrangements.

Skeezix was born on September 13, 1923 in Crawford County, IL, the son of Homer and Vera Goodwin Adkisson. He married Wanda M. "Blondie" Chapman on October 28, 1945 in Crawford County, IL. She survives.

Other survivors include his sons: Bill of Wimberley, TX, Ron of Tuscola, IL, Dennis and wife: Connie of Alvin, TX and Steve and wife: Kathy of Sullivan, IL, 10 Grandchildren: Brett, Tag, Zack, Lacy, Matt, Trevor, Megan, Quentin, Kirk and Emma Adkisson. 3 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Brother: Jerry Adkisson of Tuscola, IL

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Earl was a flight instructor, aerial mapping, charter and air show pilot. He had been self employed, operating an aircraft maintenance shop specializing in antique and experimental aircraft restorations during most of his career. He was a US Army Air Corps Veteran having served during World War II in parts of Italy and North Africa. He was vice president of the Air Power Museum in Ottumwa, IA. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Antique Airplane Association, Midwest Antique Airplane Club, Atwood Tail draggers and the James Reeder American Legion Post #770, Atwood, IL. He received numerous awards including the Illinois Aviation Mechanic of the Year in 1966 and in 1996 the FAA Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award for 50 years of aircraft mechanic service. Skeezix had restored several aircraft that are on display around the country, including the Smithsonian Institution.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Air Power Museum Library Fund, 22001 Bluegrass Road, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501-8569

Condolences to the family may be sent to hilligossshraderfh.com