Howard Atkins

Howard Atkins, 84 of Sidney, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2015 at the Sidney Regional Medical Center.

Cremation has taken place. Private family inurnment has taken place at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. A memorial service in Bakersfield, Calif. will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Howard's name to the First United Methodist Church in Sidney.

Howard Thomas Atkins was born Oct. 14, 1931 in Sidney to Virgil R. and Maude (Larson) Atkins. He joined four brothers and one sister. He attended Sidney schools and graduated from Sidney High school in 1950. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years during the Korean Conflict.

On July 16, 1952 he was united in marriage to Carol Golden at the First United Methodist Church in Sidney. After his discharge, the couple returned to Sidney to make their home, where Howard began his 30 years with Marathon Oil Co. In 1963 the family transferred to Bakersfield where they raised their three sons. They returned to Sidney in 2006 to make their home.

Howard was an avid sports fan, football, golf and NASCAR, to name a few. Go Kevin! His dry sense of humor never left him. He loved his family and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by Carol, his wife of 62 years; his sister Vergie Atkins of Sidney; his sons: Bret (Julie) Atkins of Bakersfield, Scott Atkins of Sidney and Todd (Starla) Atkins of Panorama Heights, Calif.; Grandchildren: Lindsay Atkins of Granada Hills, Calif., Andrea Atkins of Bishop, Calif., Ryan Atkins of Bakersfield and Brian Atkins of Sidney; Step-grandchildren: Brent (Kim) Van Tassel and Adam Van Tassel all of Bakersfield; Step-great-grandchildren Berkley and Maddox Van Tassel of Bakersfield and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers: Barney, Oak, Neal and Dick

Holechek Funeral Home in Sidney is serving the Atkins family.