Joel Atkins

Joel M. Atkins, 81, of Penelope passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro with Rev. Darrel Beggs of Central Baptist Church in Hillsboro officiating. Burial will follow at Mesquite Cemetery near Birome. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the funeral home.

Joel was born May 15, 1932 in the Lovelace Community of Hill County to Kirby Truelove and Robbie Lema (Yarbro) Atkins. During his youth, his family moved to Dallas before settling in Midlothian where he graduated from high school. After high school, he enlisted in the Reserves and was called into active duty in the United States Marine Corp. Following his service in the Marines, he received his Bachelors degree from Texas A&M and later a Masters degree from LSU.

After his graduation from Texas A&M, he moved to Duncanville where he worked at Standard Manufacturing and also LTV for a number of years. On September 1, 1956, he married Veda Bishop. He began a 30 year math teaching career at Hill College in 1963. He also had a 40 year career as a surveyor, including many years as the Hill County Surveyor. Joel enjoyed sailing on his two catamarans as well as relaxing with a good book. He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Hillsboro.

Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Dan Atkins; granddaughter, Jessica Smith; grandbaby, Sue Smith; two brothers, James and Curtis Atkins; two sisters, Faye Herron and Edith Newell; and nephew, Ronnie Bishop.

Survivors include his wife, Veda Atkins of Penelope; four children, Benita Johnson and husband, Kenny, of Gholson, Susan Simmons of Penelope, Sam Atkins and fiancé, Gloria Orona, of Fort Worth, and Brenda Covey and partner, Theresa Arias, of Hillsboro; daughter-in-law, Pat Atkins of Penelope; brother, Kenneth Atkins and wife, Jean, of Waxahachie; 11 grandchildren, Justin Atkins and wife, Amanda, of Milford, Cody Atkins of Penelope, Joni Jennings and Jermone Meyers of Gholson, Jana Jennings of Penelope, Steven Don Jennings of Penelope, Kate Majors and husband, Vintrey, of Mexia, Joel Wood of Hubbard, Jeremy Atkins and wife, Madison, of Bryan, Jason Atkins and wife, Brandi, of Waxahachie, Brett Covey and fiancé, Brittney, of College Station and Brittny Covey and Joshua Hoyt of Waller; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1700 Lake Success Drive, Waco, TX 76710 or the Arthritis Foundation, North Texas Chapter, 2824 Swiss Ave., Dallas, TX 75204.

Visitation

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro
2495 Corsicana Highway Hillsboro, TX 76645

Funeral Service

2:00 PM ,Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro
2495 Corsicana Highway Hillsboro, TX 76645

Burial

Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Mesquite Cemetery
near Birome, TX