Thomas C. Atkins, 74, of Mapleton, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Richard Owens Hospice home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 29, 1944 in Peoria, Illinois to Clyde and Mary Loretta (Phelan) Atkins. He was first married to Patricia Dragoo and later married Jeanne Wiltz on June 17, 1989. She survives.
He is also survived by two children, Misty (Tyler) Barnes of Bartonville, Illinois and Matt (Angel) Atkins of Hopedale, Illinois; two step children, Holly (Ben) White of Mapleton, Illinois and Scott (Leslie) Showalter of Glasford, Illinois; nineteen grandchildren and one great grandson; five siblings, Sherry (Fritz) Weisbruch of Germantown Hills, Illinois, Mary (Al) Shipman of Peoria, Illinois, Pat (Patti) Atkins of Charleston, South Carolina, Sally Russell of Ellicott City, Maryland and Theresa (Ed) Sweeney of Bayside, Wisconsin. He has many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by one son, Mark Atkins.
He owned for several years the Semmco Steel Company in Green Valley, Illinois and was an Iron worker for 47 years belonging to the Iron Workers Local 112. He enjoyed going to his pond, Clyde’s Lake to mow and cut firewood. He loved attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events and was an avid supporter. Tom was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bartonville.
A Memorial Mass will be Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 5:00 pm at St. Anthony Catholic Church, a continued celebration of life will follow the mass at the Lake Camelot Clubhouse. Father David Heinz will officiate. A memorial visitation will be Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel from 4pm until 7pm.
Tom was always known for helping others. In one last effort to help others, he donated his body to medical research. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, Richard Owens Hospice Home or to the Diabetes Foundation. You may create an online condolence at www.davsion-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.