John Atkins

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, John Atkins went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John was born November 19, 1926 to Cleo Mills and David Gile in Goshen, Alabama.

As a young child, John grew up in the carnival where he was given his first job as a "barker" for the attractions. While traveling with the carnival, he attended school in every state east of the Mississippi with the exception of Vermont. When the family left the carnival, they took up residency in Allegan where John lived for over 80 years.

In 1944, after John's travels to the Pacific Northwest, he returned to Allegan and joined the United States Coast Guard. Then in March of 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served aboard the USS Randolph during WWII.

Following his discharge from the Navy, John returned to Allegan where he met Beverly Brown. John and Bev were married on August 30, 1947. Around the same time, John began a career in law enforcement. He worked for the Allegan Police Department on two different occasions as well as the Kalamazoo Police Department where he "walked a beat". Along with his law enforcement career, John also drove a school bus, owned a gas station and owned and operated two Tasty Freeze ice cream parlors.

The majority of John's career was spent in the Allegan County Juvenile Court System, where he devoted his life to helping the children of Allegan County before retiring in 1987.

In April of 1960, John and Bev welcomed their only child, Gary. In his free time, John enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling and working in his woodshop where he crafted many beautiful creations for his family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, his parents, sisters Ella, Willie Belle and Waneta. He is survived by his son Gary, granddaughters Savannah (Alan) Devine, Liza (Joseph) Rusan and Raven Ellicott. Great-grandchildren Gavin, Connor, Brayden, Emma, Marleigh, and Lyric. Along with brother David (Diana) Gile.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 3:00pm at Christ Community Church 3370 113th Avenue, Allegan. A luncheon will be served following the service.

Cremation has taken place. Interment will be a private family event at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Community Church or to the Allegan County Youth Home, via 48th District Circuit Court Family Division, Attention Chris Dulac.