Glen L Atkinson, 99, passed away at 4:15 am on Monday, December 13, 2021, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, Indiana.
He was born in Gas City, Indiana, on Thursday, January 5, 1922, to Lewis and Hazel (Mitchell) Atkinson. An avid athlete his entire life, Glen had the good fortunate to be born into a baseball team consisting of his eight brothers and one sister. Glen graduated from Jonesboro High School. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served as a pilot on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific during World War II.
On December 22, 1945, he married Betty Boles, his love and devoted partner in life for over 47 years. Together they owned and operated Wabash Transfer for 20 years, raised 5 children, and completed numerous home renovations including the schoolhouse in Mt Etna.
After Betty’s death in 1993, Glen continued to work on various renovation projects of his own and with his children, traveling between Indiana, Michigan, and Florida, eventually settling down on Lake Papakeechie. An avid golfer, Glen was a member of South Shore Golf Club for many years and from age 76, routinely shot his age or better into his 90s. He enjoyed spending time with other veterans and friends at the North Webster American Legion. He was a guest speaker at numerous schools and community events, recounting his war experiences including the aerial search for Butch O’Hare, surviving a typhoon on an aircraft carrier, and losing two brothers in the war.
Hard working, humble, and always ready with a joke, Glen was universally well liked. In his later years, he was a favorite with other residents and the staff in his retirement community; a visit to Glen always meant a good story. Husband, father, grandfather, friend, war hero, storyteller – 23 days short of his 100th birthday, Glen’s absence leaves a gap that cannot be filled. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his son, Gregory Atkinson of Safety Harbor, FL; daughter, Ann Nichols of Paw Paw, MI; daughter, Tracy (David) Westervelt of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Max Atkinson, Amanda Atkinson, Andrew Atkinson, Toni Westervelt, Ethan (Emily) Westervelt, Kelly Westervelt, Alexander (Jessica) Westervelt, Sherman Barker; and 16 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Atkinson; son, Christopher Atkinson; daughter, Leslie Barker; son-in-law, Don Nichols; daughter-in-law, Mary Atkinson; eight brothers, Roy, Ralph, Gail, Guy, Carl, Beryl, Claude, and John; sister, Doris Rice;and grandsons, Glen Atkinson II and Coleman Barker.
The family will receive visitors from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN 46933.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Glen’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com. To send flowers to the family of Glen L Atkinson please visit our Tribute Store.