Merrill Arthur "Buster" Atkins

March 27, 2014

Merrill "Buster" Arthur Atkins, 79, passed away on March 27, 2014 at home with his loved ones by his side. He was born, January 10, 1935 in Bennington, VT to Merrill Atkins, Deane and Jane McArthur. He was predeceased by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Earl Coombs; son, Dana Atkins; daughter, Jeanne Louise.

Survivors include his wife, Joanne Marie Atkins; daughters, Eva Marie Marshall (Chris Fowler) and Jodi Ann Pysher (Brian), all of Zephyrhills, FL; grandchildren, Tammi Williams of Sandy Creek, NY, Kristi (Jack) Whittle, Jennifer Marshall, Madison Pysher, Emma Jane Pysher, all of Zephyrhills, FL; great-grandchildren, Jarod, Jasmyn, Jacob Williams of Sandy Creek, NY, Blake, Jacey Whittle of Zephyrhills, FL; sister, Betty Craig of Sun City Center, FL; brother, Franklin Atkins of Gloversville, NY; and sister, Deana Dana of Hartland, VT; several nieces and nephews.

Buster served in the Army for many years. He was a Boy Scout Leader and was in the Pulaski, New York Lions Club for numerous years and was widely known for his chicken bar-b-ques every Friday. He was employed by telephone companies for 44 years until his retirement and move to Florida. He and wife, Joanne, fostered numerous children throughout the years and their home was the local gathering place for any special occasion. Buster will be remembered for being the life of any and all parties!! He was quite the jokester and you never saw him without a friendly smile. He took pride in his family and work and was a friend to everyone. Buster and Joanne were married for 57 years.

A graveside service will take place, 1 p.m. Saturday, August 1 at the family plot off High Street in Chester, VT. A gathering will follow at Deana Dana's home in Hartland.

Date of Death: March 27, 2014