CHARLES ATKINSON

CHARLES ATKINSON Charles Edward Atkinson passed away on August 13, 2025, at his home after a year of battling cancer. Charles was born to George and Esther (Salstrand) Atkinson in Spencer, Nebraska on October 28, 1934. He attended Central Christian College in McPherson, KS where he met his future wife, Phyllis Hess. They were married on August 24, 1955, at the Caldwell Free Methodist Church, and would have been married 70 years on this anniversary. Charles received his BA degree from McPherson College and his M.S. Degree in History from the University of Kansas. He taught at Galva High School, Iola Jr. High, and Minneapolis High School. Besides teaching History and Psychology, his teaching career of 34 years included coaching Basketball, Football, Cross Country and Golf. Charle's teaching career was interrupted by two years in the United States Army. He was stationed in Baltimore, Md with the Counter Intelligence Corp. After retiring from teaching, he and his wife moved to a small farm just north of Minneapolis. They raised alpacas during the last decade on the farm. Charles and Phyllis processed the fleece themselves and sold the yarn as a finished product. This provided much enjoyment for the couple. He had his own business known as "Charlie's Remodeling." He and Paul Reidel also installed volleyball standards in many gyms across Kansas and a few in Nebraska. Charles was a member of the Minneapolis Free Methodist church, and served in many capacities, including Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Lay Leader, and Delegate to the Great Plains Conference. Following the closure of the Free Methodist Church, he and Phyllis joined the Hall Wesleyan Church. Charles committed his life to Jesus Christ and a young boy and lived a faithful Christian life. Charles served on the Board of Trustees of the Cedars Retirement Community of McPherson, was a member of NEA, KNEA, North Ottawa County Teachers Association, Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, and the Kansas Alpaca Association. Preceding Charles in death are his parents, four brothers; Lawrence, Melvin, Don, and Les; and a sister-in-law, Darlene Atkinson. Survivors are his wife, Phyllis; their four children, Rick (Pam), Phil (Vicky), Jarilyn Louden (Terry), and K. Scot.; twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; with another on the way in September; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, August 22 at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday August 23, at Hall Wesleyan Church, 1937 N. 160th Road, Delphos, KS. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis. Memorials are to Central Christian College of McPherson or the Hall Wesleyan Church and may be left in care of the funeral home.