John C. Atkins

Anderson - John C. Atkins, 64, Anderson, died November 30, 2002 at St. Johns Health System, Anderson Indiana after an extended illness. He was born January 29, 1938 in Rush County, Indiana, and resided in Anderson. He was a resident of this area since 1960. He had farmed most of his life and had driven a school bus in Madison County for 40 years. He had also worked for Delco Remy Division of General Motors for 35.1 years, retiring in November of 2000. Every child to him was special and needed only to be listened to. He had many hobbies, including collecting and working on antique farm equipment. His nickname, which his close friends knew him as, was Farmer John. Farming was truly in his blood. Mr. Atkins was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer in January of 2002 and fought the battle bravely. His last few thoughts and words were expressed were ''If you haven't thought about smoking or chewing tobacco, please DON'T. You may not get that blessing to be here to see your grandchildren graduate. Life is worth living.'' He served in the US Army as a Sargeant from 1955 to 1958 where he was stationed in France. He attended Huntsville Community Church. He was a member of the UAW Local #662, Frankton Antique Tractor Association and the Indiana School Bus Drivers Association. On August 5, 1956, he married Wanda Louise Remy of Rush County and had three children, Mrs. Mellody F. Atkins Wiley and Joseph C. Atkins both who survive and reside in Rush County, and an infant son, John Charles Atkins II, who is deceased. He then married Betty Delph of Pendleton on August 16, 1975, who had one daughter that he later adopted, Tina M. Atkins Peters who both survive and reside in Anderson. He then married Karen Sue Miller on October 26, 2000, who has one son, James R. Miller. Both survive and reside in Anderson. Surviving in addition to his wife and children include three sisters and one brother, Mrs. Mary Alma Wheeler of Brownsburg, Mrs. Fairy Ann Loveall of Anderson, Mrs. Dorothy Dottie Beth Horton of Perham, MN and George Allen Atkins of Knightstown. Also surviving are three grandsons, Jordan Christopher Atkins, Craig Allen Wiley and Joel Ryan Wiley all of Rushville, one granddaughter, Tamara L. Peters of Anderson, a cousin, Ralph Atkins of Knightstown and several nieces and nephews. He will be especially remembered by all the students who rode his bus during the 40 years he was a driver. Also by two special grand nieces, Autumn H. Miller-Smith and Nixon C. Miller-Smith both of Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman A. & Emogene E. Johnson Atkins, an infant son John Charles Atkins II, an infant sister and an infant granddaughter Ashley Peters. Services will be Thursday, December 5, 2002 at 1:00 PM, at Todd Funeral Home, Knightstown, with Rev. Claude Creel of Huntsville Community Church and Rev. Carol Wiley of New Castle officiating. Burial will be in Ebenezer Cemetery, Rush County. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 in Anderson and Wednesday, December 4, 2002 in Knightstown at Robert D. Loose Funeral Home, South Chapel in Anderson and Todd Funeral Home in Knightstown. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, St. John's Hospice and the Humane Society of Madison County. www.LooseFuneralHomes.com

John C. Atkins

January 29, 1938 - November 30, 2002