Jackie Atkins

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Jackie Don Atkins, 56, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, in the arms of his loving wife at their home in Chaffee.

Jack was born May 24, 1955, in Cape Girardeau, to the late Gus Henry and Opal Mae Wiseman Atkins.

He was a lifelong resident of Chaffee. However, one of his favorite places to be was on Kentucky Lake fishing with his wife or with his buddy, Tom. Jack was an excellent fisherman and an avid hunter. He hunted with guns, bows and muzzle loaders all his life and had a den full of deer heads and fish to prove it. He respected wildlife just as he respected anyone he ever met.

Jack worked at Leggett and Platt about 34 years, before retiring in September 2011. He was known as a hard worker and was well respected by his co-workers whom he referred to as friends.

He leaves behind his pride and joy, his family. He is survived by his wife, Bernice Ourth Atkins, whom he married on his 20th birthday, May 24, 1975; a son, Sid (Lana) Atkins of Chaffee; a daughter, Sara (Mark) Lueder of Chaffee; five handsome grandsons, Peyton Atkins, Kade Atkins, Charlie Lueder, Ty Atkins and his namesake, Jack Lueder. They were truly the greatest joys of his life. A sister, Paula Hutson of Benton, Mo., and her two sons, Bradley and Derek, also survive.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Chaffee, where Jack attended church, with the Rev. J. Michael Davis officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Cancer Society.