Henry Oneal Atkinson

Henry "Hank" O. Atkinson passed away on December 8, 2020, at the age of 84 after a struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in the east Texas community of Trinity on November 28, 1936, the youngest of five brothers. He had fond memories of growing up in that community, and although he spent most of his adult life in Austin, he maintained ties to that region throughout his life.

Hank left Trinity to enlist in the United States Air Force, and considered himself fortunate to be posted in Japan and have the opportunity to experience a foreign culture. On discharge from the service, Hank enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in accounting. He met his future wife, Jeanne Armistead, at UT, and although they subsequently divorced, he maintained a cordial relationship with her as they cooperatively raised their young daughter, his only child.

Hank spent the majority of his professional life working as an administrator at the Texas Department of Public Welfare. He met the love of his life there, Barbara Reeves, and they had 42 years together to share life's pleasures, enjoy each other's company, and face any challenges with the strength of their love. He enjoyed his career and the company of friends and colleagues at work, but he welcomed the ability to retire at age 55 and pursue his many interests and projects on his own schedule. He had a long and happy retirement, and he and Barbara shared many happy adventures as they traveled the country by motorcycle, RV, and a combination of the two.

Hank had a life long appreciation of well-maintained vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, sailboats, power boats, and RVs. One of his daughter's earliest memories is being taught by her father how to polish the chrome on her first bicycle, and throughout her life she was always a little sheepish when she visited him at a time when her car could really use a fresh wash or some tidying. Those who knew him best knew that the care he took was at the core of how he lived his life. He met his responsibilities, he did whatever was needed to help the people he loved without hesitation, and he enjoyed his life to the fullest every day he could. May he rest in peace after a life well lived.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Cleon Atkinson and Leroy Atkinson. He is survived by his life partner, Barbara Reeves, his daughter, Kelley Atkinson, and his brothers, Ira Atkinson and Charles Ray Atkinson.