"George" Richard Carleton Atkinson

“George” Richard Carleton Atkinson peacefully went to be with his Lord on February 25, 2012 while at home surrounded by his loved ones. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 2, 2012, officiated by Pastor John Hays at Jersey Baptist Church, 13260 Morse Rd., Pataskala, OH. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Pataskala Cemetery.

George was born on April 5, 1924 in Pataskala to the late Carleton and Evelyn Atkinson. He graduated from Pataskala High School in 1942, where he was All-County in football and basketball, as well as vice president of his senior class. He attended the College of Wooster until he was drafted into the Army during WWII, serving in France as a medic. He returned to attend OSU, graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and remained a loyal member of the Alumni Association. He worked as a design engineer at Rockwell International for 34 years. A member of Jersey Baptist Church, where he took great joy in singing bass in the choir and fellowshipping with his church family. George was a friendly and honorable man, one who loved his Lord, his family, friends, neighbors, home and the Buckeyes. A loving husband to Bette Ann Ghaster for 58 years, wonderful father to Carol (Tim) Roden, Sara (Rich) Langley and Robbie, proud grandfather to Wade (Nicole), Anna, Christian and Nathan, great grandfather to Kaylee along with many nieces and nephews.

George is preceded in death by infant sister Joan, brother Robert, and son Robert C Atkinson.

The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. Memorial contributions can be made in loving memory of George to Jersey Baptist Church.