Fr. Howard Reed Adkins, a highly respected and loved Pastor with the Diocese of Baton Rouge, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2025. Born on March 9, 1946, in Iota, Louisiana, to the late Robert and Yvonne Adkins. He is survived by his son, Chaille Matthews Adkins (Whitney); granddaughter, Abbey Adkins; sister, Sharon Upton; niece, Rayne Upton Hainey; and many devoted parishioners. Fr. Adkins was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps and Reserve, receiving the National Defense Service Medal for his service.

Ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in May 2007, Fr. Adkins retired from Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, La. in 2018 to St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, Louisiana, where he assisted Fr. Mark Beard with Masses and Sacraments. He was particularly fond of administering the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

A Rosary and Visitation will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall in Amite, Louisiana, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with the Rosary at 8:30 AM and Visitation from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow in the Church. Interment Greenoaks Memorial Park Cemetery, Baton Rouge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mater Dolorosa, Independence, St Anne, Napoleonville, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Plattenville, St. Philomena, Labadieville, Our Lady of Mercy, Baton Rouge.

A special thank you to his caregivers and Modern Home Health and Hospice for their loving care.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.