After 25 years at United Supermarket and 16 years as a custodian at the McClain County Courthouse, Benny Akerman is hanging up his keys.

The 1979 Washington High School graduate first worked some odd jobs in Oklahoma City right out of high school before taking a position at the Scrivner Warehouse.

He worked at Kens Red and White for six months before applying at United.

“I heard United paid more so I filled out an application and they hired me,” he said with his patented grin. “When I started at United in 1984 I was 24 years old.”

He eventually worked his way up to assistant manager at United under manager Jim Crossland and later Ricky Mabry.

“The most enjoyable thing about working at United was the people,” he said. “Definitely, visiting with the people.”

His most challenging part of the job came when he got into management.

It was a whole new ball game working at the courthouse.

“When people would come it was either to pay their taxes or go to court so they are mad already and don’t want to talk or visit,” Akerman said.

He did it all at the courthouse,  maintenance, mowing, electrical, plumbing and even some heat and air work.

“I enjoyed working with all the county employees and the sheriff’s department,” Akerman said. “They were all good employees and great bosses.”

He specifically noted all the county commissioners and county clerk Pam Beller as being great bosses.

“If something came up, they’d simply talk to you and not get in your face,” he said.

The hardest part of his job at the courthouse came in the summer.

“That’s when I had to use a push mower, weed eat and edge,” Akerman said. “That push mowing was hard work.

“The rest of the time it was inside work unless it would ice and you’d have to scrape off the sidewalk or put down ice melt.”

Now he’s just going to kick back and do whatever comes along.

Akerman said he has eight grandkids and is, “just doing the Papa thing.”

Akerman, who had open heart surgery June 18 officially retired from the county August 12 but was just recognized by the county commissioners last week with a plaque ceremony.

Akerman’s wife, Debbie, is an accountant and has worked 25 years at Joseph Harp.

They have been married since  Feb. 22 1985.