Joseph Atkinson

Joseph Ray Atkinson, age 80, of Carmi, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2012, at Wabash Christian Retirement Center. He was born February 13, 1932, in Enfield, the son of Joseph Elmer and Lena (Dunn) Atkinson. He married Bonnie Sullivan on December 19, 1954 in Norris City and she survives.

He is an Army veteran and served in Korea. Joe worked for many years for Martin and Bailey. He was pastor of Enfield General Baptist Church for 8 years, and was a minister for a total of 47 years.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; a son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Miranda Atkinson, of McLeansboro; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Vicki and Bill Hampton, of Enfield, and Brenda and Alan Benham, of Carmi; six grandchildren, Danny Ray Atkinson, Christopher Nipper, Douglas Atkinson, Samantha Benham, Derrick Atkinson, and Melissa McKenzie; and nine great-grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Alvin, Loren, Aaron, Bob, and Fred; four sisters, Hazel Upton, Lillie Nipper, Lyndell Cozad, and Mary McClary.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 17, 2012, at 1:00 pm, at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi. Visitation will be held Sunday, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Military burial rites will be performed by the American Legion and VFW Posts of Carmi. Condolences may be left at www.stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com.