Atkinson, Willard R. (1920-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Feb 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1920

text of obituary:

Sunday School Leader Killed In Accident

LARGE ATTENDANCE AT FUNERAL SERVICES FOR WILLARD R. ATKINSON

Pipersville, Pa. — The Hilltown Township and Deep Run Valley Area was shocked Tuesday, Feb. 2 by the announcement of the tragic death of one of its outstanding young citizens.

Willard R. Atkinson, 34, Souderton, R. D., was killed in a motor accident in Philadelphia. He bled to death after his produce truck figured in a collision with a motor car.

Mr. Atkinson, a self-employed produce salesman was very active in church affairs and civic organizations. He was superintendent of the Deep Run Mennonite Sunday School and secretary of the Hilltown Lions Club.

The accident occurred at Bustleton avenue and Devereaux street where Mr. Atkinson was passing in the course of serving his farm commission route late Tuesday morning.

According to Philadelphia police the second driver was Mrs. Jess Birkelbach, 55. The impact overturned the commission truck, and Mr. Atkinson was thrown out on the highway. He was picked up bleeding profusely from a severed artery in his groin, and was pronounced dead at the Frankford Hospital.

Mr. Atkinson was a son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Howard Atkinson, Perkasie, R. D., both of whom survive him, as does his widow Esther Krupp Atkinson. Children at home are Frances and Diana. Surviving brothers and sisters are Mrs. Norman Jones, Perkasie, D. D., Melvin Atkinson, Chalfont R. D., Mrs. Edward Rodemer, Perkasie, R. D., Mrs. Leonard Lewis, Perkasie, R. D., and Howard Atkinson, Jr., Telford.

Approximately 650 were present at the funeral, which was held Sunday afternoon from the Deep Run Mennonite Church. Claude Boyer officiated at the service, assisted by Rev. Wilson Overholt, pastor of the Deep Run Mennonite Church, Franconia. Music was supplied by the youth choir of church.

The family and community will miss him greatly. He was indeed a true worker of the church. He always had a kind word for everyone and has reached his reward.