Obituary of Charles Wayne Atkinson

CHARLES WAYNE ATKINSON Charles Wayne Atkinson, 87, Centralia, MO passed away Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO. He was born January 21, 1934 in Winfield, KS the son of the late Frances and Mary (Case) Atkinson. On December 7, 1962 he was united in marriage to Beverly Ann (Buck) Atkinson. In addition to his wife Beverly of 59 years, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one daughter Carrie Sue Million (Paul) of Centralia, MO; one brother Jerry “Squeaky” Atkinson of Mexico, MO; three grandchildren Lauren Abigail Million, Gracie Ann (Million) Hamilton and her husband Draven and Charles Franklin Million; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; one brother in law Paul Dean Roberts; one sister in law Bernita Buck; other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, one infant son Donald Lee Atkinson, one sister Kathryn Sue Roberts and one brother William “Bill” Atkinson preceded him in death. Charlie served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 in Germany as a paratrooper and later served in the reserves until 1962. He first worked for Jr. Angell and Chester Meyers Trucking and later he worked for Ernie Ferguson. Finally, he worked for the Centralia School District as a mechanic until his retirement. He was a member of Centralia First Baptist Church and served on the Centralia Fire Department for over 20 years. He also served on the Centralia City Council as Ward 3 Alderman from 1986 to 1993 and 1997 to 2000. He was the General Government and Financial Committee Chairman where he was first appointed in 1987, he served as a Mayor Pro Tempore in 1988, served on the Board of Adjustment and also on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Charlie enjoyed reading, collecting and restoring tractors and was a member of the Mark Twain Old Thrashers Board and the Missouri Valley Steam Engine Association. He was a man of high integrity and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. A celebration of life will be at 11:00 am Friday, December 17, 2021 at the Oliver Funeral Home in Centralia, MO. Interment will be in the Centralia City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the Oliver Funeral Home in Centralia, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Centralia First Baptist Church or to the American Cancer Society c/o Oliver Funeral Home, P.O. Box 125, Centralia, MO 65240. Condolences may also be made to the family at www.oliverfuneralhome.net