Charles Lee Atkinson

Charles Lee Atkinson was born on March 1, 1930 in Ardmore, OK. Charles was the oldest of four children born to Carol and Thelma Atkinson. He attended public schools in and around Ardmore, earning Varsity letters in numerous sports. Upon graduation Charles entered the U.S. Army and trained as a medic, earning The Combat Medic badge during the Korean War. He also served two tours in Vietnam, Germany, and had numerous postings in the United States. Charles retired in 1980 as CSM of Darnall Army Hospital at Fort Hood. During his thirty years of distinguished service Charles earned numerous awards and medals to include; United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Army of Occupation Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Star, Sharpshooter (Rifle), Good Conduct Medal Clasp; Silver 4 Loops; Legion of Merit, Presidential Unit Citation (Korea), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Korean Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, Army Commendation Medal; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm. Upon retirement he remained in Killeen with his wife, Patria whom he married on August 31, 1956 and raised their family. They enjoyed travelling, spending time with their family, friends, and worshipping at The First Church of the Nazarene. Charles is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Patria. Survivors include 3 daughters and 1 son; Cheryl and Dale Vonderhaar, Gary Atkinson, Cynthia and Patrick Hughes, Renee and Roger Armstrong, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

A funeral procession will leave Crawford-Bowers, Killeen at 9:30 am on Tuesday, March 13 to lay Charles to rest with full military honors at Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Charles’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Crawford-Bowers, Killeen has been entrusted with the arrangements.