Mr. Atkinson served in the 82nd Airborne and retired from Delco Moraine after many years of service.

He loved horses and was a longtime trainer of Standardbreds, as well as a member of the USTA and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Mr. Atkinson is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; sons, David, Michael, Steven (Lee Ann), Glenn and Greg (Paige); grandchildren, Jessica Gourley, William, Jared and Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Taylor, Ethan, Elijah and Gavin. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ollie Dilley; and grandson, Wayne.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday (June 11) at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Road, where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. Burial to follow at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery, 8135 North Dixie Drive.