Keegan Adkins was given an Irish/Gaelic name meaning a "small and fiery or bright flame" – a perfectly fitting name for the son, grandson, brother, and nephew of firefighters. This sweet boy loved school more than most kids and especially loved music and singing. He had a kind heart and was an old soul. When he was only six years old, Keegan suffered a drowning accident at a local pool; his brother had passed away three years earlier. His gift of organ donation has brought his family much peace and comfort. "To know that our little boy gave life to other children and even an adult, he is a true hero in our book!" said his parents Shannon and Scott.

Keegan's Story

Keegan Atley Adkins was born February 5, 2005, the fifth boy in a close-knit family that chose his name for its Irish/Gaelic origin and its meaning, "small and fiery or bright flame" – a perfectly fitting name for the son, grandson, brother, and nephew of firefighters.

Keegan had piercing blue eyes that sparkled, rosy red cheeks and a smile and laugh that would enliven any room. He loved his blankies and stuffed doggies which he carried along everywhere he went. Fridays at his home were known as "Momma-Keegan-Daddy Days" and they were all about him. On those days they visited the zoo, took art classes, played golf, soccer, tumbling, went swimming or ate at IHOP.

Keegan loved school more than most kids, and he loved music and sang anytime he could. The last song he sang together with his family was "He Reigns" by the Newsboys. The chorus says: "All God's children singing glory, glory hallelujah, He reigns."

Keegan genuinely loved people and enjoyed making friends wherever he went. He had a kind heart and was an old soul. In the summer of 2011, when he was six years old, he suffered a drowning accident at a local pool, joining his older brother Cory, who had passed away three years earlier. In his death he gave life through organ donation, a gift that has brought his family much peace and comfort.

"Knowing that our little boy gave life to other children and even an adult makes him a true hero in our book!" said his parents Shannon and Scott Adkins.

Keegan's family holds tight to his memory through a beautiful a poem by Winnie the Pooh. "If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember…You are braver than you believe, strong than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart…I'll ALWAYS be with you." (A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh)