Stanley William Akers

Legislative Resolution

View Legislative Resolution File for Stanley William Akers

Biographical Information

The following is from the Legislative death resolution:

The Honorable Stanley W. Akers, Corporation Commissioner and former Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, passed away at the age of fifty-six on July 29, 1979 at St. Luke's Hospital in Phoenix.

Mr. Stanley Akers was born in Bayfield, Colorado to Clyde and Norma Akers and came to Arizona in 1935.  He attended Kenilworth Grade School, Phoenix Union High School and Phoenix College.  Mr. Akers joined the military service in 1942 as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Forces.  He served in the Air Transport Command and was released as a first lieutenant in 1945.

Stan Akers was elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission in November, 1978 and was serving as Corporation Commissioner at the time of his death.

Prior to his election to the Corporation Commission, Mr. Akers was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 1967 through 1978 serving in the 28th Legislature through the 33rd Legislature.  A Republican, Stan was selected by his colleagues to serve two consecutive terms as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the first time that a Republican representative had been so honored.  He served on numerous legislative committees including Education (as Chairman), Ways and Means (as Chairman), Administration, Agriculture, Appropriations, Counties, Economic Affairs, Joint Legislative Budget Committee, Legislative Council, Natural Resources and Energy, and Rules.

An avid and joyful participant in the political process, Stan never lost an election and was affectionately known as the "Iron Duke".

Stan was a successful farmer, rancher and businessman who was serving as president of the F. H. Hogue Produce Co. at the time of his death.  In addition he was an active participant in various organizations including the Beatitudes Board of Commissions for the Elderly, the Jaycees Welfare Foundation, the Western Growers Association, the Central Arizona Growers Association, the United Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Association and was a 32nd Degree Mason.

An influential public official who never took himself too seriously, Stan Akers was an open, direct and intense person known for his wit, intelligence and perception.  Aptly described as one who put common sense before partisan politics, valued results more than rhetoric and recognized good ideas whatever their source, Stan won the respect of all of his colleagues in office.  His candor and forcefulness coupled with the ability to get the job done made him an invaluable asset to the State of Arizona.

Stanley W. Akers made many important contributions to this State and will be warmly remembered by his many friends for his dedication to service for the people of this state.

Military Experience

U.S. Army Air Forces, World War II veteran:  "Mr. Akers joined the military service in 1942 as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Forces.  He served in the Air Transport Command and was released as a first lieutenant in 1945." (Legislative death resolution)

Additional Information

"A Republican, Stan was selected by his colleagues to serve two consecutive terms as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the first time that a Republican representative had been so honored."  (Legislative death resolution)

Employment

Arizona Legislative Service

Sources

Birth:  Arizona Legislative Biography sheet, parents:  Clyde William Akers and Norma Cecil (Plunkett) Akers; Death: SSDI: Stanley Akers and Legislative death resolution; Military Service:   Legislative death resolution