OBITUARY: Former Naval Officer and Pastor of Christ Central Church Darwin ‘Don’ Adkins Passes Away at 74

Was Pastor of the Christ Central Church in Cocoa for 31 years

Darwin “Don” McKinley Adkins, 74 of Cocoa, FL, formerly of Logan, WV, left his earthly home for Heaven on December 20, 2025.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and servant leader, he was born June 13, 1951, in Logan, WV, to the late Darwin and Carol Rose (Chaffins) Adkins. Don grew up in Logan, where he proudly graduated from Logan High School.

Those years helped shape his lifelong values and character, most importantly his love of family, which defined his life.

Don proudly served in the United States Navy for 23 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. During his distinguished military career, he was active in both submerged and surface warfare, serving his country with honor, discipline, and dedication.

Following his retirement from the Navy, he devoted the next 31 years of his life to ministry as Pastor of the Christ Central Church in Cocoa, FL.

Throughout his years of service, he faithfully fulfilled many roles, including elder, teacher, counselor, missionary, and leader, and served as Chaplain of the Asbury Retirement Community in Cocoa, Florida, for seven years. His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith deeply impacted his congregation and all who sought his guidance. His family was the center of his life and one of his greatest joys.

Outside of his calling and career, he found joy in simple adventures, especially ATV rides on rugged back roads with his family, which were always filled with laughter, stories, and lasting memories.

Don will be remembered for a life marked by service, faith, humility, fun, and love. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the contagious faith he shared.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his youngest brother, Delbert “Dinky” Adkins. Don is survived by his loving wife, Brenda (Chambers) Adkins; his children, Chad Adkins (Tara), and Stacy Puett (Vic); his grandchildren, Ashley King (Josh), Kaley Adkins, Abby Elkins (Griffin), Jack Pruett, and Allison Adkins, who proudly serves in the United States Navy, continuing a family legacy of service; his siblings, Amanda Hicks, Tom Adkins, Wanda Conley, Tracy Adkins, and Juanita Adair, all of West Virginia; his beloved dog, Puka, who he was deeply fond of, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don was laid to rest with military honors on January 7, 2026, in the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL. A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Justice Christian Church, Justice Addition, Logan, WV, with Chad Adkins officiating. A dinner reception will immediately follow.

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