Dr. Akers graduated from Texas Tech University with his Bachelor's, Masters, and Ph.D degrees in Electrical Engineering.

He honorably served in the United States Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. He was the Founding Dean of the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology at Bradley University. He also held administrative appointments and professorships at the University of Nebraska, Arizona State University, the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Missouri. His passion was educating young people in the knowledge and skills of engineering.

Survivors include his partner Carol Ysla; his first wife Linda Akers and a daughter; his second wife Sally Pullman and her son; dog and best friend, two brothers; and two granddaughters. Lex was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

A Celebration of Life is being arranged and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lex's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society .