Norman Akers

Leslie Norman Akers, 86, of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, passed away on February 1, 2026, with his family by his side.

Norman was born on June 3, 1939, in Sharon Springs, Kansas, to Elmer and Edna Akers. He grew up in Weskan, Kansas, where he developed the strong work ethic and deep love of agriculture that would guide him throughout his life. He attended Weskan School, graduating in 1957, and later joined the U.S. Army in June 1958, serving in The Armored School as a track vehicle mechanic and auto mechanic.

After returning home from the Army, Norman worked in a variety of roles, including farm labor and construction. On December 15, 1963, he married Alice Laine Ardrey, and together they built a life grounded in love, family, and hard work. In 1969, they purchased the Ardrey Family Farm, a place that became central to their lives and a source of pride for generations to come. They raised their three children, Leslie, DeeDee and Tracy in Cheyenne Wells, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the values they held dear.

Norman’s life was marked by meaningful involvement in his community. He served with the Masons, on the Cheyenne Wells School Board, with BOCES, and in various other local organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Akers, and their children: Leslie (Stephanie) Akers of Santaquin, Utah; Dana (Troy) Pfeifer of Green River, Wyoming; and Tracy (Crystal) Akers of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. He was a proud grandfather to Danisha (Jon) Olson, Michael (Monica) Pfeifer, Trenton Akers, Shaelyn (Dalton) Wright, Rhett (Emily) Akers, Nathan (Cameron) Akers, Karinne Akers, Jessi Akers, and Ella Akers. He was also a loving great‑grandfather to Damien (Nevaeh) Pfeifer, Harper Olson, Wilder Wright, Rowdie Wright, and Nolan Akers, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first great‑great‑grandchild, Boedin Pfeifer. He leaves behind his special nieces, Kathy Dwyer-Keefe and LaVanda Mitchek, who were like daughters to him.

Norman is also survived by his siblings: Richard (Dorothy) Akers, Alice Cline, Vernon (Mary Beth) Akers, Pat (Larry) VanAllen, and Sharon (Don) Aldridge, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who cherished him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Edna Akers, and his brother‑in‑law, Melvin Cline.

Throughout his life, Norman enjoyed many passions beyond his work. He had a special love for race horses and spent countless days at the track, often taking his grandchildren along to share the excitement and tradition with them. These outings became treasured memories—moments of cheering, storytelling, and passing down a love for the sport. He supported his children in 4‑H and sports, and he treasured time spent at Bonny Dam and on the occasional ski trip.

Norman had a keen eye for antiques and delighted in farm auctions and thrift store adventures. He enjoyed watching polka dancing and listening to Buck Owens, always with a smile that showed how much joy music brought him. His daily coffee shop visits were a cherished ritual, filled with conversation and companionship. Even at 86, he embraced technology, faithfully using his iPhone and iPad. He will be fondly remembered for all of his shenanigans.

Some of his happiest moments were spent taking his grandchildren to auctions and sale barns, sharing with them the world he loved. He enjoyed playing pitch with friends and family and was always ready with a card trick, adding laughter and friendly competition to every gathering. Nearly every day, Norman drove out to the farm to look over the land—a quiet ritual that reflected both pride and gratitude. He especially loved watching the crops being planted and harvested, taking in the rhythm of the seasons that shaped his life.

Norman and his wife, Alice, shared a special love for dancing, and together they were often the show on the dance floor—gliding, spinning, and smiling in a way that made everyone around them feel the joy they shared. His passion for buying cattle and spending time at the sale barn remained constant throughout his life. He also took great joy in choosing beautiful clothes for Alice for Christmas and her birthday, always selecting pieces with the classy, timeless style he was known for. And anyone who ever rode in his pickup knew the backseat held every tool imaginable—along with cans of peanuts and enough odds and ends to practically live out of it, as his grandkids would attest. True to his nature, he never met an antique he didn’t appreciate, especially old tractors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to the Norman Akers Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the Cheyenne County EMTs, the doctors and nurses at Keefe Memorial Hospital, and the community for their wonderful support.