Carl Wayne Atkins

Carl Wayne “Duke” Atkins was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 9, 1948 to James and Pearl Mae Atkins. Carl and his twin brother were the first set of twins to be born at Tripler Army Medical Center. Being part of a military family Carl spent many of his childhood years living in different countries including Japan and Germany, then returning to the US. His fondest memories as a child were when the family lived in Germany. They spent their summer months camping in different countries. Carl and his brother played Little League while in Germany, Carl the pitcher and Jim the catcher. He also was in Boy Scouts.

When the family returned to the US, Carl lived in Oklahoma where he graduated from Eisenhower High School. In high school, Carl played on the basketball team. At his 50th class reunion, his coach still remembered Carl and how high he could jump. After high school, his family returned to Oregon and Carl attended Oregon State University earning a degree in Zoology, with the hopes of going into Marine Biology and sailing with Jacques Cousteau.

After his graduation he enlisted in the military. Carl joined the United States Navy and was assigned to fly in helicopters. He was responsible for tracking submarines and also doing air/sea rescue. Carl was a Vietnam Veteran and was proud to serve his country. He showed his support by being active in veteran charities through the years.

During his time in the Navy when Carl was stationed in San Diego he met his beautiful bride Melva Jean Ellison. They were introduced through the manager of the restaurant where Carl was moonlighting as a bartender. They quickly fell in love and were married in March 1975. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in March 2020.

After Carl and Melva got married they returned to Oregon. Continuing his education Carl went to school at Oregon State University earning his Master’s in Business Administration. He also earned a Certified Management Accountant. Carl was a member of Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Fraternity. Shortly after graduating, Carl worked at Paulson Investments for two years while waiting to take his CPA exam. Carl passed his exam on the first try and became a CPA in 1980. Carl held positions of Controller and Chief Financial Officer at several companies including AAA of Oregon and Western Power during his career. The family lived in Gresham, Oregon where Carl started his own CPA practice in 1993 and continued even after retiring from his other positions. Carl was respected for his accounting work. He developed a large practice and continued to work for some clients for decades.

Carl and Melva have two sons, Christopher and Brian. While his children were young, Carl became active with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a troop leader and enjoyed watching his children rise in the ranks. He encouraged them in sports and learning computer skills. With his love of fishing and boating, he taught the boys to fish, swim and waterski. Christopher followed his dad in playing baseball and Brian played soccer.

Carl’s passions as an adult included: participating in the Chamber of Commerce, wood working, building model ships, boating, traveling by RV, fishing, and becoming involved in the classic car community. He also enjoyed playing card games with friends, square dancing, and relaxing on quiet mornings and nights on his back patio listening to the sound of his fountains. Fishing was a great pleasure for Carl. He fished for salmon with his grandfather, bass with his father-in-law and halibut in Alaska. He passed along his love for fishing to his sons and nephews.

He became a member of the Pharaohs street rodders and showed his 1964 Galaxie 500 at many cars shows earning him plenty of medals and awards. Carl was quite the car enthusiast owning a 1964 ½ Mustang, a 1923 T-Bucket and a 1929 Model A. However, his pride and joy was his Galaxie.

Carl was well known for his story telling. True stories as well as invented stories. Some of his favorites have become family treasures and will be remembered and passed on to the younger generations. His sense of humor was unique and a large part of his personality. He enjoyed making people laugh and be happy.

He was a loving husband survived by his wife Melva, father of two Chris and Brian, grandfather of two Luke and Addyson, and son of Pearl. Being a loving son, Carl took care of his mother in his home for many years. He was one of a kind and will be missed greatly by his family, friends, clients, co-workers, and other car enthusiasts.