Edward Akes was a plumber who took a full interest in sport. While living in Rosewood, west of Ipswich, he played cricket and billiards before joining the newly formed Rosewood soccer club in 1912. One report from that season had Akes at full-back against future Socceroo captain Alex Gibb, who played for Athletics.
Akes was living in Brisbane by the time he enlisted in August 1915 aged 24. He joined the 47st Battalion in early 1916 and was sent to France. In August he was shot in the thigh and evacuated to England. Akes did not return to France until mid-1918, after being assigned roles in various depots and camps. He was transferred to the 46th Battalion for his return to the front, only to be gassed in August 1918 and again evacuated. Akes was still in England for armistice, where he continued to serve until his departure for Australia in March 1919.
The next year he married Ivy Queenetta Stephens of Ipswich and they moved to Southport where they had three children. Akes returned to sport while on the South Coast, becoming president of the local tennis club, a committee member of the swimming club, and a long-time bowls player. Ivy was also heavily involved in bowls for many years, later rising to president of the Ladies’ Bowls Club.
A report of the Ladies’ club meeting in December 1943 mentioned that the Akes’ eldest son, Hector Ross, had been killed while on service with the Australian Navy. Akes passed away in Brisbane in November 1964 aged 74, and Ivy died aged 80 in Sutherland, NSW in March 1974.