Albert D. Atkins

Albert Dean Atkins was born in Oregon, Missouri on June 14, 1932, He was one of eleven children of Earl Robert and Ethel Virginia (Smith) Atkins. Albert graduated from Oregon High School in 1950. He served his country in the Korean War from January 1953 to December 1954. In 1955 he started college at Northwest Missouri State Teachers College. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) degree, with teaching areas in physical education and health, industrial arts, coaching, and driver education. In 1958 he married Betty Schaeffer. They made their home in Forest City and became parents of three children. Betty passed away in 1993. In 1996 he married Glenda Schaeffer. Albert was a member of the Harris E. Petree American Legion Post 190, and served as Commander for 20 years. He was also a member of the V.F.W., Missouri State Teachers Association, and the Oregon United Methodist Church. Albert taught school and coached several sports for 37 years. His favorite sport to coach was basketball. He also drove a school bus most of that time. He worked at the Holt County Courthouse for 18 years in building and grounds. Albert usually had two or three jobs. He was always busy working. Albert passed away on September 11, 2025 at the Oregon Care Center with family by his side. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Glenda, of their Oregon, MO home; children, Joe (Pratum) Atkins of Forest City, MO, Dan (Robin) Atkins of Trimble, MO, and Gina (Bob) Ripley of Oregon, MO; stepson Rod (Liz) Schaeffer of Lee's Summit, MO; eleven grandchildren, Ann Atkins (Jirat Sombunjirachaya), Alan, Cass and Amber Atkins, Jordan (Lindsay) Ripley, Emily (Joaquin) Lopez, Alex Ripley, Chase and Kaylee Schaeffer, and Mason and Ady Morrow; six great grandchildren, Kavin and Colyn Atkins, Avajo Sombunjirachaya, Alin Atkins, and Quinn and Camden Ripley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty; and10 siblings, Paul Atkins, Earl Richard Atkins, Mildred Adams Cromer, Joyce Kunkel, Elizabeth Atkins, Donald Atkins, Wayne Atkins, and infants Neva, Glenna, and Francis Atkins. Albert loved all sports. He especially loved fast-pitch softball. He pitched for 35 years. He was 53 years old when he had to give it up. The Forest City ball field is named after Coach Atkins. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, gardening, spending time with his family, and going to the casino. He was proud to have served as the Holt County Autumn Festival Grand Marshall in 2021. Family visitation: Friday, September 19, 2025, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Chamberlain Funeral Home, Oregon. Funeral services: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:00 am, Oregon United Methodist Church. Interment with military rites: Forest City Union Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Oregon United Methodist Church, the Forest City ballpark, or the Oregon Care Center.