Edward Lee Atkins

Edward Atkins of Jackson County, MI passed away in peace on Wednesday January 10th 2024 at the Henry Ford Hospice House in Jackson after a long battle with cancer.  Ed was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was happily married to his wife Virginia of 56 years; and he loved spending time with his two children and most especially his five grandchildren. He was a wonderful, loving grandfather who loved to tease those around him. Ed was a man of many talents including flyfishing and photography among many other hobbies. His happy place was Estes Park, CO where the family went for their annual vacations to Rocky

Mountain National Park and the YMCA of the Rockies.

Ed was born in Jackson, MI on April 23 rd 1934. He was a graduate of St. John’s High School and Jackson Community College; and he also attended the University of Michigan. In his early career, he worked at the Jackson County Abstract Office, which he eventually supervised for several years. He spent the latter part of his career with the Civil Engineering firms of Gilbert Commonwealth and Commonwealth Associates, where he performed easement and right of way work for many years.

Ed is survived by his wife Virginia Atkins (Terry); his daughter Heather Wellman and her husband Justin Wellman; his son Chris Atkins and his wife Casey Atkins; and his grandchildren Robert Wellman and Alec, Halie, Kelsey, and Ashley Atkins. He is also survived by his brother John Atkins and wife Nancy, and a very large extended family. He is preceded in death by his mother and father John and Thelma (Shafer) Atkins; his brother Lawrence Atkins and his wife Carol; and his nephew Doug Atkins.

The Celebration of Life will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd., Jackson, MI 49203.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday prior to the service.   Interment will be later at Roseland Memorial Gardens.  Contributions may be made to Henry Ford Hospice Home or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Edward L. Atkins.

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