Ronald Lee Atkins

Ronald Lee Atkins entered the presence of his Heavenly Father on May 8, 2026. He was born on January 19, 1940 in Arkansas City, KS to Bob and Ruby Atkins. He met his forever love, Elaine Louise Coffelt, in grade school and after a courtship in high school, they married in Arkansas City, KS on December 21, 1958.

Ron enlisted in the Army and was assigned to Ft Bragg, NC, with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paramedic and paratrooper. He later transferred to aviation where he worked as an aircraft mechanic and supervisor. During this time, he served a one year tour in Korea. Ron then joined the Army National Guard as a 2nd Lieutenant and subsequently went active duty, being assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Ft Campbell, KY. Ron served two tours in Vietnam as an advisor and infantry commander, receiving the Purple Heart. He retired from the Army after 20 years and moved the family to Colorado where he worked in business administration until retiring in 1997.

Ron and Elaine especially enjoyed living in the country in Yoder, CO near their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren during their retirement years. He became a “gentleman farmer” on his “40 acre playground.” He built barns, sheep sheds, chicken coups, and many additions to the house, including a craft house for Elaine. He especially loved his horses. He and Elaine served in the local country church for many years where they enjoyed fellowship and ministry. Ron liked to play cards and taught the family, as well as teaching bridge to many friends. He always had the “coffee on” for anyone who dropped by. Ron became a devoted caregiver to Elaine until her death in 2024, and continued to love and care for his daughters until his death.

Ron will forever be cherished by his family for his hardworking spirit, discipline, determination, loyalty, unending support, dry sense of humor, funny sayings, and his deep respect for the Lord. He loved to listen to hymns and worship music. His favorite Scripture was Isaiah 40:31.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents; his faithful loving wife of 65 years, Elaine; and two brothers, Merrill Atkins and Mike Atkins. He is survived by his two daughters, Lori Whittemore (Hugh) and Holly Kirles (Tom); three grandchildren, Jessica Simkins (Ethan), Erica Davis (Lee), and Clint Whittemore; six great-grandchildren, Eli, Eliot and Ean Simkins, and Haley, Jace and Kinsley Davis; his brother Raymond Atkins, his sister Marlene Hanson, and his brother-in-law Terry Coffelt.

His family will forever cherish him and the legacy he has left them and look forward to seeing him again in heaven. A graveside service will be held at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO with full military honors on May 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., where he and Elaine will be laid to rest together. The family would like to thank Melody Assisted Living and Choice Hospice of Colorado Springs, CO for their amazing care. Praise be to the Lord.