Daniel Atkins

Daniel Jeffrey Atkins, really took to heart the second half of Ephesians chapter 4. Paul's instructions to the Church at Ephesus on Christian Living reads like the heritage of Dan's life. It's the last verse, though, that will become his legacy: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Eph 4:32 NIV
At the young age of 68, Dan passed into the Lord's care Saturday, September 6, 2025, in the emergency room of Avita Hospital in Ontario. Family surrounded him on earth, Family greeted him in the Lord's presence.
He was born May 8, 1957, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Charles Howard Atkins and Mary Anna (Jeffrey) Atkins. Dan graduated from Aikin (South Carolina) High School in 1976. He later studied at North Central State College and completed his apprenticeship with Cole Tool and Die. Though he worked in several shops over the years, most will remember him for the 24 years he gave to Hess Industries as a tool and die maker-a trade he pursued with precision, pride, and excellence.
Dan lived as a man of steady rhythm: faith, family, work, and a touch of humor that kept life balanced. He was a member of Berean Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as an usher and in a small group.
Outside the shop, Dan's interests were as practical as they were joyful. He was an avid golfer, and his regular foursome-Richard Feldner, John Ader, and Wayne Bishop-could attest to his easy camaraderie and competitive spirit. At home, one of his favorite places was atop his John Deere mower, tending to his yard with care. A skilled woodworker, he had-quite literally-all the tools. With them, he crafted furniture, jewelry boxes, shelves, toy boxes, clocks, and even his wife's prized steamer trunk.
Dan will be remembered for the qualities that ran deep in him: kindness, gentleness, patience, dedication to his work, and devotion to his family. He was a God-fearing man who pursued excellence in everything he touched. He loved his tools almost as much as he loved chocolate ice cream-with chocolate sauce on top. Ornery at times, always supportive, he was his kids' number-one fan, the number-one Dad, and, in his grandchildren's eyes, the number-one Grandpa.
He is survived by his wife, Lori (Richards) Atkins; daughters Tecca Puckett of Canal Winchester, Bethanie Atkins, and Allison Atkins, both of Lexington; grandchildren Avery Niswander (Zach Butler), Ashley Puckett (Josh Brown), Ethan Puckett, Emma Janssen, Max Pelfrey, Milo Pelfrey, Madi Utter, and Charles Workman; and great-grandchildren Archie Janssen, Reece Brown, and Bohen Butler on the way.
Also surviving are his sister Jane Atkins-Hicks; his brother Luke Wheeler; sister-in-law Joyce Atkins; and brother-in-law Les Kanis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother David Atkins; and his sister Laurie Kanis.
The Atkins family will receive guests Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A worship service-giving glory to God for the life of Dan Atkins-will be held Friday, September 12 at 11 a.m. in Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Road, with Pastor Dan Krause officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve the Atkins family. Share a message of support with them-and watch Dan's tribute video-online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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