Hermon Herbert Atkins

Hermon Herbert Atkins, 84, of Thorndale passed away at his home on June 13, 2020.

Hermon was born in Madison, Fla., on Sept. 7, 1935, to Thomas Jefferson and Fairie Mae (Simmons) Atkins. In high school, he played the saxophone and drove semi-trucks with his father. 

Hermon is a decorated war veteran of 20 years, stationed overseas in Ethiopia, Japan, Philippines and numerous stateside bases. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

While in uniform he met the love of his life. He heard a voice from above say “Hermon Herbert that’s the woman you are going to marry!” Married in Piper City, Ill., he and Betty Joan Perkins have been married for 65 years.

After retiring from the Air Force, Hermon was an office equipment repairman, semi-truck driver, utility plant operator, and farm hand. He sang tenor, enjoyed square dancing, playing the harmonica, fishing, hunting, and flying. He loved Little Debbie snacks, Circus Peanuts, Twizzlers, Coca Cola, jigsaw puzzles, and trains.

Hermon is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Calvin Simons, Emar Cantrell, and Adetha Kern.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; five children, Carl Atkins and wife Betty, Ernie Atkins and wife Susan, Al Atkins, Curtis Atkins and wife Daphene, and Lisa Heck and husband Mitchell; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were John Atkins, Joel Atkins, Levi Atkins, Isaac Atkins, Nathan Atkins, Lorenzo Llana, Josh Powell, and Gordon Dickerson.

 Funeral and graveside service are set for Saturday, June 20, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale (https://www.stpaulthorndale.com).