Robert “Bob” E. Atkins, 83, Jonesboro, son of the late Ernest and Anna (Owens) Atkins, died at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, in Wesleyan Health and Rehab, Marion. Bob married Barbara Bradford on December 9, 1951, and she survives.
Bob was a 1950 graduate of Van Buren High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Korean War. Following Bob’s military service, he was an owner/operator of a service station for over 30 years. He then owned and operated Hideout Tavern in Van Buren for 9 years.
In his younger years, Bob loved to go hunting and fishing. After retirement, he enjoyed going to the dog races and casinos. He and Barb spent their winters in Florida, specifically Bonita Springs. Bob was an avid sports fan, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates and IU Hoosiers basketball. He never missed a game.
In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Bob is survived by his children, Brenda Hearn, Jonesboro, John (Cindy) Atkins, Rochester, Beverly Atkins, Gas City, Robert Atkins, Summitville, and Jack Atkins, Jonesboro; special friend, Nadine Burbank, Gas City; grandchildren, Jim (Amanda) Atkins, Lafayette, Chad (Amy) Armstrong, Summitville, and Nikki Armstrong, Rochester; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Janet Nelson, Jonesboro, Phyllis Bennette, Kokomo, and Larry (Vickie) Atkins, Marion; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; sisters-in-law, Joan Abernathy, Marion, Joyce Clevenger, Gas City, Lois Lamm, Fort Wayne, Nancy (Ronnie) Shockey, Silver Lake, and Patty (Ron) Ratcliff, Marion; and special thanks to his brother-in-law, Jack Bradford, Marion.
Also preceding him in death were his brother, Woody Atkins, and granddaughter, Shannon Marie Beeks.
Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Services for Bob will be at 1 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, with Dr. Rev. Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.