Charles Eugene Atkinson

Chuck loved West Virginia where he attended school, graduating from Parkersburg High School. He served 20 years active duty in the United States Air Force where he was stationed throughout the world and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring from the Air Force, the family settled in Merced, California in 1972. Chuck worked in construction, continued his education at Merced College, and retired from Merced Community Medical Center maintenance department.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in numerous leadership positions. He had a strong testimony and loved sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he met.

There was nothing more important to Chuck than family. He loved traveling to see his children, grandchildren, and siblings and was proud that he was able to attend most of their significant life events. We have precious memories of him wrestling on the floor with children, holding new grandbabies, and attending the sports events of his grandchildren when and wherever possible.

He was an avid card player and loved teaching his children and grandchildren the winning strategies to any card game. He also cherished the relationships he developed while playing pinochle twice a week for many years at the Merced Senior Center.

Chuck never met a stranger. He was a happy, fun-loving person known for his teasing personality and sense of humor. He had a story for everyone with whom he came in contact and made them feel like a life-long friend.

Chuck was a natural teacher who loved to share his knowledge of home repair and willingly lent a helping hand wherever needed by phone or in person.

During his years as an aircraft electrician in the United States Air Force, Chuck developed a passion for airplanes and had the ability to identify all makes and models by both sight and sound. He enjoyed visiting the Castle Air Museum and sharing his experiences and knowledge with other visitors about a plane, that was on display, that he personally had worked on when he was stationed in Maine.

Traveling was in his blood and he thought it was more fun with family. He enjoyed exploring new campsites across the United States and loved any excuse to hit the road.

In his spare time, you would find Chuck watching old westerns and sports. He was a fan of the 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Fresno State Bulldogs, BYU Cougars, and the many university volleyball teams his son, Bruce, coached.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Beverly Jean "Laurie" Crawford Atkinson; children, Pamela Atkinson, Charles Eugene “Chip” Atkinson, Jr. (LeAnn), Valerie Wilkinson (Merlin), Bruce Atkinson (Junae), and Michele Evans (Steve); 22 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; sister, Edith Ebersbach; cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leander and Emma Taylor Atkinson; siblings, Dorothy Atkinson, Theodore Atkinson, Oscar Atkinson, Elsie Havens, Nellie Ray, and Patricia Atkinson; grandson, Joshua Wilkinson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2629 McKee Road, Merced, CA. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. the morning of the funeral services. Graveside services for the family will be held that afternoon at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements in the care of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Atkinson family.