Joseph J. Atkinson

Joseph J Atkinson Jr., 93 of Middletown, Ohio passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Bickford Assisted Living Facility on Union Road and joined the love of his life, Gladys, who died in 2012. Joe and Gladys lived at 3609 Central Avenue for just short of 66 years preceding her death. He was born in Middletown, OH, on March 22, 1925, to parents, Joseph J. and Cecilia (Dot) Atkinson. His brother, Richard F., preceded him on January 3, 1927. Death came to Dick in 2012, a month after Gladys died.

Joe graduated from Middletown High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Navy V12 Battalion at Ohio Wesleyan University on July 1, 1943, having enlisted in the Navy in March. After 33 months of active service he was discharged in 1946 and immediately found work at the The American Rolling Mill Company (ARMCO). On October 4, Joe and Gladys were married at First Baptist Church of Middletown and by 1960 had four children: Joseph J. III, Nancy Lynne, Jeffrey Scott, and Jonathan Guy. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph J. Atkinson, Sr. and Ceceila, his parents-in-law, Guy and Ruth Smethers, his brother-and sister-in-law, Willis and Barbara Smethers, sister-in-law, Zola Atkinson, and a grand-daughter, Christel Rene Crawford. In 1951 he began working at the jet engine plant of General Electric Company, a career that spanned thirty-seven and a half years. He began as a jet engine tester and eventually spent 30 years as a technical editor and writer. Joe was active for many years in First Baptist Church, where he led adult Sunday school classes, and served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons for three years. Among his many interests, Freemasonry was outstanding. In his more than 50 years of service, Joe was Past Master of Jefferson Lodge No. 90, Past High Priest of Middletown Chapter of Royal Arch Masons No. 87, Past Illustrious Master of Middletown Council No. 136, Royal and Select Masons, Past Commandery of Middletown Commandery No. 71, the accomplishments of which made him eligible to become a Knight of the York Cross of Honour, Ohio Priory No. 18. In addition he was a Past Commandery of Hamilton No. 41, Past Prelate and Past Recorder of Trinity Commandery No. 44, as well as Past Honorary Member of Calvary Commandery No. 13, Portsmouth and of Cincinnati No. 3, Cincinnati, Ohio. Joe held several Past Grand Commandery positions: he was Editor of the Ohio Supplement for the Knight Templar Magazine for 8 years. He was selected to be a Knight Commander of the Temple, Grand Encampment of the United States of America. Additionally, Joe was a Past Sovereign Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Past Preceptor of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and a member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Right, Valley of Dayton, St. Columba Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Royal Order of Scotland, and Irish Council.

Funeral services are 10 am, Tuesday, April 10, 2018, First Baptist Church, 4500 Riverview Ave., Middletown, OH with Pastor Scotty Robertson officiating. Burial in Woodside Cemetery.Military Honors by Middletown Combined Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Monday, April 9, 2018 from 6pm-8pm with Masonic Services beginning at 7:30pm at the funeral home.

Please visit www.breitenbach-anderson.com to send an online condolence.