William “Butch” Atkinson, 76, passed away at 10:07 am on Friday, December 11, 2020, at Marion General Hospital. He was born to the late Oren and Mary (Stegemoller) Atkinson on October 10, 1944.
Bill graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1962 and Ball State University in 1988. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and achieved the rank of SP4. Following his military service, he worked in shipping at Owens-Illinois until the plant closed.
Bill was a lover of sports. He had played softball, coached football and baseball in the 3-Way Recreation League over 15 years, as well as coached Legion baseball. He was also an avid paintball player. He loved his Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Indiana Hoosiers. He was a loving husband and father; family was very important to him.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon; sons, Bill (Tamera) and Christopher, both of Marion, and Douglas (Rebecca) of Yorktown; sister, Sharon (Don) Foreman of Greenwood; grandchildren: Ripley, Hamish, and Aila Atkinson; Sarah Drake; Joni McPherson; and four great-grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will begin at 12:00 noon. Chaplain Nanci Rosinski will be officiating with entombment taking place at Gardens of Memory in Marion.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ole Miss Youth Sports, 211 E. Main St., Gas City, IN 46933.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kavita Raj, nurses, and doctors in the Emergency Department and Critical Care for their loving care of Bill.
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