Edward P Atkinson

Edward Philip Atkinson, 67, passed away June 16, 2011 after a short and courageous battle with Lung Cancer, his family by his side. Born January 16, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA to Edward M. Atkinson and wife Willmira. He was raised in the Wildwood and Cape May, NJ area, with a love of the ocean and water through sailing and fishing. His family moved to Harrisburg, PA where he attended school and formed many close friendships. Ed attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Valley Forge, PA and Bucknell University. Ed served in the 1st Cav. Army Air Division in Vietnam at the rank of Sergeant. Ed was a Marksman and a Natural leader, which allowed him to achieve the following awards: 2 Bronze Stars, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. Upon his honorable discharge, Ed married his long time fiancé Adriana “Shawn” Barends on April 18, 1971. Ed worked for L.B. Smith in NJ for three years excelling in sales of Highway equipment. After being promoted to Branch manager in 1975 Ed and Shawn moved to Broken Arrow, OK. He again was promoted to Regional Manager and his family relocated to Edmond, OK. In 1990 Ed took his current position as Highway Equipment Manager for Duit Construction in Edmond. Friends and Business Associates throughout these years were the highlight and enjoyment of his work. Ed is preceded in Death by his Mother Willmira Cresse Atkinson. He is survived by his Dad Edward M. Atkinson and Stepmom Pearl Atkinson of Florida. Ed is survived by his wife of 40 years Adriana “Shawn” Atkinson, son Edward Shearer and wife Lisa of PA, son Dirk Atkinson and wife Krista of OKC, daughter Becky Kahkesh and husband Bobby of Edmond, sister Kelly Kirkpatrick and husband Dennis of Florida, brother Scott Atkinson and long time partner Tegan West of CA, Uncle Al Cresse and wife Lil of Florida. Grandkids: Kaydn, Kabl, Kyrin and Karma Kahkesh, Kyla Atkinson, Marissa Shearer, Micaela and Miranda Blough. Ed had a very special relationship with his friend George Bell as well as his brother-in law Ben and Crystal Barends, daughters Stephanie and Jill and their families. Ed was a sports enthusiast and received most of his pleasure through Becky and Dirk’s soccer success. Having many friends, Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and watching his grandchildren play soccer. Ed will be remembered for his love and commitment to his family, his sparkling blue eyes and dynamic smile. We will all miss him!! We ask in Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Companion Hospice Foundation. Our special Thanks to Companion Hospice for the special care and compassion Ed received from Monique, D’Anne, Angela and Steve. Thank you to the entire nursing staff and employees of Bradford Village for their kind words and prayers. Viewing to the public will be Sunday, June 19, 2011 from 12-8 P.M. at Baggerley Funeral Home, Edmond, Oklahoma. The Funeral Services are 2:00 pm on Monday, June 20, 2011 at Baggerley Funeral Home (Please wear your Patriotic red, white and blue!).