Doris Adkisson, the stalwart matriarch of the Von Erich wrestling family, is a name that resonates with strength, resilience, and love in the wrestling community. Born on November 18, 1932, Doris’s life is widely recognized for her unwavering support for her six sons’ wrestling careers and her remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy.
This blog post delves into the life of Doris Adkisson, her influences, the trials she overcame, and the enduring legacy she left behind.
Who Is Doris Adkisson?
Doris Adkisson was more than just the wife of a renowned wrestler and the mother of six aspiring wrestling champions. She was a woman of strength, a pillar of support for her family, and an influential figure in the world of wrestling.
Born in Louisiana, Doris married her high school sweetheart, Jack “Fritz Von Erich” Adkisson. Together, they bore the triumphant and tragic journey of raising six sons who would all go on to become professional wrestlers.
Early Life & Family Background
Doris’s journey wasn’t a solo effort. She was surrounded by a family that was as notable as hers. Her sister, Nancy Joe Smith Boettcher, was involved in a wrongful conviction case that garnered attention, while her brother, David Eugene Smith, became a prominent mathematician and educator.
These experiences, along with her own trials and tribulations, shaped Doris into the resilient woman she was known as.
Doris Adkisson Was Married To Fritz Von Erich
Fritz Von Erich, born Jack Adkisson, was more than just her husband—he was her partner in life and in wrestling. A prominent wrestler and promoter himself, Fritz played a key role in shaping their sons’ wrestling careers. Their shared passion for wrestling and their unwavering dedication to their family formed the cornerstone of the Von Erich wrestling legacy. He was died on 10 september 1997.
Who Is Fritz Von Erich?
Fritz Von Erich was a renowned wrestler and promoter who left his indelible mark on the wrestling world. Known for his aggressive style and charismatic presence, Fritz was a force to be reckoned with in the ring. But beyond his professional success, Fritz was also a dedicated father and husband.
His partnership with Doris was instrumental in shaping their sons’ careers, cementing the Von Erich name in wrestling history.
Doris Adkisson’s Career & Professional Life
While Doris did not wrestle herself, her contributions to the wrestling world were no less significant. Her sons – Jackie Adkisson Jr., Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris Von Erich – all went on to become professional wrestlers, largely due to Doris’s unwavering support and influence. She was their rock, their guiding light, and their biggest cheerleader, always there to offer words of encouragement or a shoulder to lean on.
Doris Adkisson’s Children
A wife of a great wrestler of the successful mother of 6 children. Are you interested to know about the legendary celebrity children? Dig down:
Jackie Adkisson Jr.
Doris Adkisson was a proud mother of six children, the first of whom was Jackie Adkisson Jr. Born on September 21, 1952, he carried his father’s legacy as a professional wrestler. Jackie Jr.’s wrestling career, however, was tragically short-lived. At the tender age of 19, he was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident. Though his wrestling career was brief, Jackie Jr.’s memory lives on through the Adkisson family’s wrestling dynasty.
Kevin Von Erich
The second of Doris Adkisson’s children, Kevin Von Erich, was born on May 15, 1957. Kevin, born as Kevin Ross Adkisson, followed in his family’s footsteps by pursuing a professional wrestling career. Known for his signature move, the Iron Claw, Kevin became a prominent figure in the wrestling world. He enjoyed a long and successful career, retiring in 1995. Today, Kevin lives in Hawaii and often shares his wrestling memories and family stories with his fans.
David Alan Adkisson
Born on July 22, 1958, David Alan Adkisson was the third of Doris Adkisson’s children. Like his older siblings, David pursued a career in professional wrestling. He quickly gained recognition as a talented wrestler and earned the nickname “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” David’s wrestling career was flourishing when he suddenly passed away on February 10, 1984, at the age of 25. His death was a tremendous loss for the wrestling community and the Adkisson family.
Chris Von Erich
Doris Adkisson’s fourth child, Chris Von Erich, was born on September 30, 1969. Although he faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, Chris was determined to become a professional wrestler like his siblings. Unfortunately, Chris’s health issues ultimately proved too much for him to handle, and he died by suicide on September 12, 1991. Despite his struggles, Chris’s resilience and dedication to wrestling continue to inspire those who knew him.
Mike Von Erich
Born on March 2, 1964, Mike Von Erich was the fifth of Doris Adkisson’s children. Like his older brothers, Mike embarked on a wrestling career and quickly made a name for himself. However, Mike’s life took a tragic turn when he contracted toxic shock syndrome in 1985, which led to numerous health complications. Sadly, Mike died by suicide on April 12, 1987, leaving behind a grieving family and a lasting impact on the wrestling world.
Kerry Adkisson
The sixth and youngest of Doris Adkisson’s children, Kerry Adkisson, was born on February 3, 1960. Kerry, also known as Kerry Von Erich, became one of the most successful wrestlers in his family. He won numerous championships and accolades throughout his career, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Tragically, Kerry’s life was filled with personal struggles, and he died by suicide on February 18, 1993. Despite his untimely death, Kerry’s legacy as a talented wrestler remains strong.
Doris Adkisson’s Death
Doris Adkisson, the matriarch of the Adkisson wrestling family, passed away on September 10, 1997, at the age of 68. Despite facing unimaginable heartbreak and loss throughout her life, Doris remained a pillar of strength for her family.
Her unwavering love and support for her children helped shape them into the successful wrestlers they became. Doris Adkisson’s memory lives on through the lasting impact her family has had on the wrestling world.
Conclusion
Doris Adkisson’s legacy is not just about wrestling—it’s about a mother’s love, resilience, and unwavering support in the face of adversity. She was the bedrock upon which the Von Erich wrestling legacy was built, and her influence continues to be felt today. Despite the tragic loss of her husband and four of her sons, Doris remained a beacon of strength and resilience. Her story serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit and enduring love for her family. Doris Adkisson passed away on October 23, 2015, but her legacy lives on, inspiring many who hear her story.
