David Edwards Baer Atkins Sr.

David E. Atkins, Sr., 85, of Fort Smith, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2012, in Fort Smith. He was born February 28, 1927 in Lawrenceville, Illinois. After service in the Navy during World War II, David was graduated from the University of Evansville. Prior to retirement from Whirlpool in 1982 after 37 years of service, he held numerous positions in several locations including comptroller of the Fort Smith Division. He was a parishioner of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church where he had served as Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and in the Choir. David was a member of the Noon Exchange Club, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Scimitar Shrine and Elks Lodge. An avid fly fisherman, David loved time on the White River with friends.

Memorial service will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 17th, 2012, at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church with The Rev. Jeffrey Champlin Rector officiating. A private burial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

He is survived by his wife Marguerite (Peg) Atkins, children Jerri Lilly of Santa Fe, NM, Cynthia Fowler and husband Ken of Coloma, MI, David Atkins, Jr. and wife Karen of New Brighton, PA, and Lesley Ezrow and husband Ken of Menomonee Falls, WI, grandchildren Patrick Fowler, Henry and Zoe Atkins, and Leah and Gabrielle Ezrow, and his loyal friend Richard Litzinger.

Visitation will be Monday, April 16th, 2012, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Clinic, 615 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, the Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Hwy., Fort Smith, AR 72904 or the charity of one’s choice.

Our sincere appreciation to Peachtree Hospice; they made a difficult time much easier through their compassion and caring.