Michael Atkinson

Mike Atkinson, 78, of Atlantic, passed away Saturday January 13, 2018, at Caring Acres in Anita, IA.

Michael Howard Atkinson was born February 16,1939, in Vienna, West Virginia, the son of Howard Clarence and Hattie Idel (Chapman) Atkinson. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1956. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy for a 4-year tour of duty. He reenlisted and made a career of the Navy, retiring after 20 years of service. While in the Navy, he specialized in deep sea diving and underwater demolition. He served several tours of duties in active combat in Vietnam, and was the recipient of many awards, including a Purple Heart. While serving in the Navy, Michael married his first wife, Florence Sirroca Pauley, and they had 2 children together, Tisha and Lisa. They later divorced. Upon retirement from the Navy, he went to work for Knott's Berry Farm and then Disneyland as a maintenance mechanic. He helped with animatronics on many rides including "It's a Small World" and "Pirates of the Caribbean”. He married the love of his life, Shirley Kinder in Garden Grove, California on February 10, 1980. After 20 years with Disney, he retired, and they moved to Atlantic, Iowa, to be closer to Shirley's daughter, Tina and her family. Michael had a tremendous love for Shirley! He would have done anything in the world to make her happy and always wanted her to have the best life possible.

So many treasured memories were made including trips to Disneyland and great evenings out to eat. He was such an amusing man, always full of funny, highly entertaining stories and able to make anything sound exciting. Whether it be helping his grandchildren or just lending a neighbor a hand, he was very thoughtful and caring of others. He would always try to do nice, thoughtful things for people. Because of Michael's kind heart, he had a great love for the well-being of animals as well; a major animal lover! He would rescue any animal he could, including a number of dogs that he cared for over the years.

There were many things that he enjoyed through the years, always staying busy and working with his hands. Though he loved riding motorcycles and flying model airplanes, it seemed that wood-working was his favorite hobby. He was so creative and did beautiful work. He made many ships and rocking horses to name a few. In later years, he liked playing war-type video games; these times also helped him bond with his grandson, Tim. After Shirley passed, Mike spent most evenings at Wiota Steakhouse with friends. He made a great impression on everyone he met!

Michael's caring and loving heart will be missed by his daughter, Christine Hinson of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Monique Harris of Tennesse, Eric Osmundsen of Tennessee, Tara Hinson (Casey O’Brien) of Omaha, NE, Tiffany (Joey) McDuff of Atlantic, IA, and Tim Hinson of Florida; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Rebecca (John) Alkire of West Virginia; brothers, Roger Chapman Atkinson and Eric Kim Atkinson both of West Virginia; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Hattie Atkinson and sister, Shirley Kay Atkinson Drawhorn.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 19, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Michael H. Atkinson

BORN
February 16, 1939 - Vienna, West Virginia

DIED
January 13, 2018 - Anita, Iowa
At the age of
78 Years, 10 Months, 28 Days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE MEMORIAL SERVICE
2:00 P.M. Friday, January 19, 2018
Roland Funeral Home - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Guy Fisher
1st Assembly of God –Atlantic, Iowa

RECORDED MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me
“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Tim Hinson
Joey McDuff
John Alkire
Roger Chapman Atkinson
Eric Kim Atkinson
Kenny Hinson
Casey O’Brien

MILITARY RITES
Atlantic Color Guard - Atlantic, Iowa

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery - Atlantic, Iowa

The family appreciates your care and invites you to join them for
lunch back at the funeral home immediately following the interment.