Walter Denzil Atkinson
Walter Denzil Atkinson Walter Denzil Atkinson, 92, of Springfield, Mo., passed away June 9, 2010. He was born December 1, 1917, near Marshfield, Mo. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Pacific. He worked for Springfield Grocer Co. and Hiland Dairy. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Thelma F. Atkinson; his daughter, Sharon (Dick) Stilwell;; granddaughters, Deborah Stilwell and Katherine (Matt) Pleggenkuhle; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Kate Whitmer and Ellie and Ava Pleggenkuhle; sisters, Charlene Burascano, Joan (Doug) Hughs, and Barbara Nelson; and many nieces and nephews. He joined Hamlin Memorial Baptist Church in 1945, where he was an active deacon and taught the 14 year old boys Sunday school class for many years. He was the oldest male member of Hamlin at the time of his death. An avid gardener and bee keeper, he generously shared the bounty of both with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Stella Atkinson; brothers, James and William Atkinson; and sisters, Jeanette Morse and Fay Looney. Services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 12, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, followed by a graveside service in Bellview Cemetery. Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m., on Friday, in the funeral home. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Hamlin Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund.