Lee Atkins Obituary

Atkins, Lee Stewart Devoted son of Mary Lou Stewart and Marc S. Atkins, took his own life Friday, October 19 in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the age of 24. He was a proud soldier who served his country with bravery and distinction during a tour in Afghanistan in 2008-2009 as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard Bravo Company 1-178 Infantry. A graduate with honors of Oak Park River Forest High School and a history major at the University of Michigan, he was a wonderful, loving son and family member, and a deeply devoted friend. We will always celebrate his life - his caring, his generosity, his humor, his genuineness - as a legacy to all he touched in his too short life, and to all soldiers and their families wherever they serve. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 27 at the Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park, IL, from 5:30 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made in honor of Lee Atkins to the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 26, 2012.
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Lee was one of the very first friends my daughter made at OPRFHS. He was a delight to know, helpful, brilliant, funny, and kind. I am sorry to have only found out about this recently, but please know my heart is with your family.

Kris Littman

January 19, 2013

Marc and Mary Lou, I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. And we will honor Lee's memory for all that he was and for all the ways he was admired and loved. Sincerely yours, Tim and Jancy Strauman

December 2, 2012

Marc and Mary Lou, Lisa and I are praying for healing and restoration of faith and to help ease the pain and hurt. We think about you often.

SFC Guerrero

November 30, 2012

Eternal be your memory.

November 29, 2012

My darling Lee,
?????a ? µ??µ?; eternal be your memory. This is what we Greek-Orthodox sing and pray for the departed. It has been a long 40 days, and it is really hard to accept that life must go on without you now. I cannot put into words how painful it is to lose you, and how difficult it has been trying to accept that time is forever moving forward, with no way back. How life must continue without you, the life of the party, is something that is going to take a very long measure of time to figure out. I thank God for putting you in my path, because you impacted my life in many, many wonderful ways. I pray that you are in the most beautiful, peaceful heaven now.

Mary Lou and Marc, I think about you guys every day. Don't ever hesitate to call for any reason. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I could fill this guestbook with chapters and chapters of how much I miss your son, and how grateful I am for our time together, but instead, let me just say this:

Rest in peace, my brother, and dearest friend. You know how much I loved you, and always will. Thank you for being the best friend anyone could ever ask for, for always listening to me, for always supporting me, for loving me unconditionally, and for always having faith in me. The compassion you had for people, is truly inspirational. You taught me a great deal about love and patience. And you never gave up on me, or on your friends. You accepted me for who I am, and never once tried to change me. You gave yourself one-hundred percent whenever I needed help; no matter where you were, you were always there for me. I will always be grateful for you, Lee. Thank you for everything.
Until we meet again,
Cat

Catrina Weitzenfeld

November 29, 2012

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.

SGT H

November 16, 2012

Dear Marc and Mary Lou,

I only just found out today about the loss of Lee, and I want you both to know how sad I am for you and that I am thinking of you. I know how close you guys were, and how much you did for Lee.

I remember the first time I met Lee, he was a second grader running around your backyard with a bicycle helmet on. (Every parent should be so lucky to have such a fun kid.) I also remember when he was in high school and hanging out on the front porch with his friends and Mary Lou called him on the phone (she was inside the house) to see whether the kids wanted to order a pizza. I think about this scene often, and it cracks me up to this day, because I am now the parent of a teenager and I understand!

Please know that I am thinking of you at this terrible time and wishing you both my best.
Betsy

Betsy Talbott

November 15, 2012

I am sorry for your loss. Be assured of God's love and comfort.1 John 3:20- God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.

FF

November 13, 2012

Mr and Mrs Atkins,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am honored to have been welcomed into your home and to be apart of your sons life. It is a time that I will cherish the most. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Michelle Malone

November 5, 2012

Marc and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Marc, I recall you speaking so lovingly and humorously of Lee when we were in Seattle. I will keep you in my thoughts, and wish for you immense support from your friends and family during this time.

Sharon Stephan

November 2, 2012

My condolences for your loss. I had the honor of knowing Lee in Ann Arbor. He was a great person who cared for all.

Wendy Williams

November 1, 2012

I am so sorry to read of Lee's death. What a terrible shock and loss this must be for you. Thank-you for his service to our country.

I pray for the Lord's comfort.

Joy Berends

November 1, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time.

Yo Jackson

October 31, 2012

Dear Marc and Mary Lou,
Please accept my condolences. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.

Martha Wadsworth

October 31, 2012

Dear Marc and Mary Lou,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. My heart goes out to you during this most difficult time,
Mary Fristad

October 31, 2012

With deepest sorrow for your loss. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. We remember Lee as an enthusiastic Marching Huskie.
The Vincent Family

Annette Vincent

October 30, 2012

Re-wined

streetlights aglow.
sidewalks lie bare.
feeling the wind blowing threw my hair.
no one in sight.
feeling so free.
the night belonged to you and me.

the floods of our memories fill me eyes.
the pain of departure.
of saying goodbye.
forever imprinted inside my mind.
here you'll stay.
i'll keep you inside.

sharing our dreams.
making them true.
grabbing a hold of all we knew.
hearing your laugh.
seeing your smile.
knowing our bond was all worthwhile.

the floods of our memories fill me eyes.
the pain of departure.
of saying goodbye.
forever imprinted inside my mind.
here you'll stay.
i'll keep you inside.

hour by hour
time flies in my mind
but reality just stands still.
wishing that i could press re-wined
and replay all the moments but still...

the floods of our memories fill me eyes.
the pain of departure.
of saying goodbye.
forever imprinted inside my mind.
here you'll stay.
just press re-wined.
here you'll stay.
i'll be just fine.
here you'll stay...
i'll keep you inside.


Marc and Mary Lou,
my thoughts and prayers are with you always. <3

Leslie "L.A." Carnahan

October 30, 2012

Mark and Mary Lou hang in there were thinking about you folks and we love you both, we will keep in touch

SFC Guerrero

October 30, 2012

To the proud parents of a great son. I am sad for the loss of such a young man, who went to war, to protect me and my family and friends. Please let your story be known to help others who might go down this road. He served and is a hero and will not be forgotten.

Thank you!

Stephen Toepel, TSgt, ret

October 30, 2012

Dear Marc and Mary Lou,

Words cannot express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son, Lee. My prayer is that God will bring comfort to your hearts as you celebrate the everlasting memories of your son.

Lindy Wright

October 29, 2012

My deepest sympathies to you during this time of tremendous loss.

Teresa Cordova

October 29, 2012

We are deeply saddened by your loss. We spent time with him at U of M when moving in our son, Jesse. We enjoyed his company very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue and Jerry Hancock.

October 29, 2012

My sympathy and condolences on the tragic loss of your family member.


OPRF Marching Band, class of 1968
retired CPD

Dennis Mushol

October 29, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

William Wong

October 29, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family & friends of Lee Atkins. I offer my prayers as you celebrate the eternal life of your loved one.

October 28, 2012

We are all saddened to hear about your loss. We remember Lee from OPRF marching band, his infectious smile and his playful, ireverant sense of humor. Our thoughts are with you.

Susan Parks

October 28, 2012

We are filled with sadness as to your tragic loss. Know you are in our humble prayers. The Jakobsons family.

October 28, 2012

He brought beauty into the world with everything he did. He will always be loved and cherished.

Brandy Wilcox

October 28, 2012

May your family find peace in the wonderful memories of your son.

Annette

October 27, 2012

We have many fond memories of Lee and are so saddened by his death. He was one of Will's first friends here in River Forest. It doesn't seem that long ago that they were trick or treating together. It is with such sorrow that we write this note today. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Joe, Lisa, Will and Doug Fischer

October 27, 2012

Lee Atkins

October 27, 2012

Lee was a great guy; he proudly served the United States of America, and kept it real at home by giving out the best hugs. May his eternal soul rest in peace.

Doug Weismantle

October 27, 2012

My name is SGT PATRICK M.O'CARROLL(44) I had the great honor and the priviledge to serve with Spc Atkins in Afghanistan. We were both in the same Plt And also in the same squad. 1st Plt 2nd squad. We also were both 50 cal Gunners in the combat zone also. I was in the 2nd MRAP. When were hit by the IED on 11 June 2009. I am still in shock as to what has happened. It is very surreal He will never be forgotten.Ever! He was a great kid. A good soldier with a great sense of humor. I just wish when he was down here in Florida that he would of called me.. We could of hung out and spent some time together..To the Atkins FAMILY. I am so sorry for your loss.

PATRICK O' CARROLL

October 27, 2012

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Lee Steart Adkins our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Lee. And to Lee it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during Operation Enduring Freedom while deployed with the U.S. Army. Lee, you are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Lee's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

October 27, 2012

Thank You for the gift of your son.He is at peace now.In honor of your son's service to our country,I plan on joining the wounded warrior project.
My deepest sympathy to your family and Lee's friends.

Angel

October 27, 2012

Dear Marc & Mary Lou,
Our hearts are with you at this terrible time, broken, but remembering Lee in a good way. My family hasn't seen Lee for a few years, but remembers him well with his big smile, larger than life. I think of him with the marching band at OPRFHS or holding his trombone. From middle school, he as been known at our house as, "The General," as in General Lee of the Civil War. Remember him happy, doing what he wanted to do. For the world's loss, he is at peace. We are so very sorry.
Thoughtfully,
The Corcos Family (Daniel, Kathy, Caroline, Amanda, & David)

Kathleen&Daniel Corcos

October 26, 2012

Dear Marc and Mary Lou,
Lee was a very close friend of our daughters for many years. We have always thought very highly of him. He brought many smiles to our faces. Our hearts go out to you. Lee was a very special person. A wonderful friend to many. We are very thankful for his service to the country. I hope it gives you some comfort knowing how very loved he was, and still is, even though he is now gone. You have our condolences.

Kathy and Jay Shanahan

October 26, 2012

I have known Lee for 18 years, and he was the best part of growing up in River Forest. He was funny, caring, and always had sparkle in his eye! My heart breaks for you. Please just know that he will always be remebered as the compassionate man that he was, and that he was loved by many. He will always have a piece of my heart. I sincerely hope that he has finally found peace. No one deserves it more. He was a great friend and a wonderful soldier. Thank you, Lee, for serving our country.

Keelia Shanahan

October 26, 2012

Never knew Lee in person but i felt like i had know him for years. we spent countless late night hours just talking laughing and just being goofy. very sad that hes gone and every time i think about him tears run down my face. he was a great man and always will be. even though i never actually knew him he will forever me in my thoughts and prayers. and i cant wait til i can get the chance to come up there and visit him.

Rachel

October 26, 2012

Pam

October 26, 2012

Oh, my heart breaks for you! How blessed we are to have known Lee. You are in my prayers.

Kathy Reo

October 26, 2012

Dear Marc, I am at such a loss for words. I cannot fathom your sadness. You've done a lifetime's worth of work to relieve the suffering of others. My only hope is that the blessings that you've poured into the lives of others can somehow be poured back into your own life now when you need them the most.

Paul Schewe

October 26, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Atkins,

My deepest condolences to you and family, your son was a fine young man full of life, one of the best Soldiers I 've had a privilege to serve with, mature beyond his years. The whole country mourns with you.

SFC Guerrero Willing to Pay the Price

October 26, 2012

Our hearts break with yours, Marc & MaryLou. Lee was a wonderful person and brave soldier. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Jose & Lisa Guerrero

October 26, 2012

Dear Atkins family,

My daughter played in the Marching Huskies with Lee; I remember him with a twinkle in his eye and a smile almost always on his face, even when playing ! I remember his long hair, which he told me grew, in anticipation of having it cut off when he joined the military !

I am so exceedingly sorry for your loss, words are inadequate. Please know that his smile, enthusiasm, and friendliness will always be remembered.

And, like many others who have signed this guest book, I am very grateful that he served our country.

My condolences,

Joan Winstein

October 26, 2012

Ní maith liom bhur dtrioblóid
Lee, you are and always will be a true gentleman.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
Lee until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Always in our hearts.

O'Shea family

October 26, 2012

I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I know from our talks that your son served his country with honor and how much you cared. My heartfelt thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Lyn Arnold

October 26, 2012

Dear Mary Lou and Marc,

I am so saddened to learn about Lee.
We will remember his enthusiastic school spirit as he lead the band during OPRF football games.
Our sincere condolences.

The Michael McDermott Family

Denise McDermott

October 26, 2012

I am so very sorry for your devastating loss. Lee was a wonderful sweet young man.

Dolores Calkins

October 26, 2012

Mary Lou,
I never had the pleasure of meeting Lee but it sounds like he was a true American hero. Having spent 9 years in the military, I cannot fully express my gratitude for the sacrifice he made for his country. He will be missed and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Dean Ellens

October 26, 2012

Forever in my heart friend.....

Yvonne Sexton

October 26, 2012

For all the people whose lives you touched, you will be greatly missed.

Stacey Buck

October 25, 2012

I have actually never met Lee. He went to school with my daughter at the University of Michigan. She cared for him very much. He was a good young man. He would walk her to her car when they had late classes together. On one ocassion, she was very fortunate that he was there when a group of young men approached her not knowing that Lee was just on the other side of the vehicle. It eased my mind as a mother to know that he was there for her. My condolances to the family. I cannot imagine your pain. I know that whatever pain he faced in life is now gone and he is in a better place. My daughter already greatly misses him and it saddens me to know that our world has lost such a good young man.

Stacey Buck

October 25, 2012

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