Edward Leon Atkins

Ed graduated from Ball High School in 1962. He joined the US Air Force August 31, 1962. During his service he fought in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class E4 Crew Chief on August 3, 1966. He received numerous service awards and medals.

Ed returned to Galveston and earned his degree in Applied Science from Galveston College in 1974. He continued his public service as a firefighter in the Galveston Fire Department for 33 years, retiring as a Captain. During this time, Ed became one of the first instructors for the firefighter progams at Galveston College and the College of the Mainland. He then served as a supervisor for TSA with 10 years of service.

He was a member of the B66 Flight Crew Club, Vietnam Veterans Administration, Arcadia First Baptist Church, and the Vice President of the Retired Fire Fighters Union.

Ed had a passion for fishing, building homes and furniture, bowling, spending time with his family. Anyone who knows him knows his love for Tab and his dog, Daisy Mae.

Ed’s life is summarized by being a man of many uniforms with a focus on saving lives.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, his first wife of over 40 years, Rhonda Atkins, and his infant daughter, Judith “Crikett” Atkins.

Ed is survived by his wife of 8 years, Janet Atkins, his brother James “Bubba” Atkins, his sister Ethel “Nancy” Scott, his children: Charles (Jennifer) Atkins, Kim (Fran) Watson, Tim (Tiffany)Atkins, James (Tara) Atkins, Judy Estes, his step-children: Warren (Michelle) Moore, Dawn (Mathew) Boyette, Robert (Kelley) Coyne, Casey (Wayne) Depenbrock, Asa Ryan, Hannah Johnston, Pepper (Allyssa) Ryan, 16 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday November 30, 2017 from 11:00 – 12:30pm at Arcadia Baptist Church (14828 Highway 6 Santa Fe, Texas 77517) with a Celebration of Ed’s Life beginning at 12:30. Ed will be laid to rest at Forest Park East Cemetery immediately following.