Walter Joseph Atkinson

Walter J. Atkinson, 86, beloved husband and father, passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 30, 2022. Due to the faithful prayers of many, he put his hope and trust in Jesus, excitedly looking forward to his reunion with his parents. He went peacefully to his new Heavenly Father. Walt was born in Portland on July 2, 1936 to Earl H. and Iris Mae Atkinson. He was raised in Alsea, Oregon. When he was only 4 years old, his mother died, leaving his father to raise three young children while running the Alsea Feed Store, creamery and locker plant. At one point, his dad tied Walt to a post so he wouldn’t wander off onto the highway. A short time later, a wonderful woman answered a newspaper ad and came to care for the children. About 5 years later they were married and Peg became their “mother” whom they all loved dearly. Walt was proud of his second mom, who operated The Farmers Kitchen and was known as ‘Peg the Pie Lady’. As a young boy, Walt participated in FFA, raising a cow, “Lady Lola the Third,” and taking her to the State Fair in Salem. He graduated from Alsea High School in 1954, then spent two years in the Army, stationed in Butzbach, Germany. He married Joyce Hendrix on September 21, 1957 in Alsea. Shortly after, they moved to Corvallis where Walt worked at Wilson Motors. In 1965, the family moved to Springfield where he would operate a service station first in Springfield and then Eugene. In 1970 they moved back to Corvallis where he eventually operated the Kings Circle Shell service station until his retirement in 1995. During his retirement, he and Joyce spent several winters as “snow birds” in Yuma, Arizona, where Walt played lots of golf. Walt was an avid golfer, hitting his first hole in one on November 15, 1989, as well as a life-long Beaver fan, holding season tickets in Baseball and Men’s and Women’s basketball for many years. He was a people person who never knew a stranger. Walt was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Pierpoint, and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Atkinson; his two daughters Coleen Montgomery (Jim) and Cristy Richards (Steve); four grandchildren: Jeremy Montgomery, Stephanie Montgomery, Marissa Brotherton (Joe), and Megan Richards; and one great-grandson, A.J. Brotherton. He is also survived by his brother, Keith Atkinson and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Samaritan Evergreen Hospice for the wonderful, loving care they gave him. A funeral service will be held at McHenry Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 4, followed by a graveside service at the Alsea Cemetery. There will be a catered meal held at the Alsea Grange Hall afterwards. Donations may be given to the Alsea Wolverine Booster Club (18062 Alsea Highway Alsea, OR 97324) or Samaritan Evergreen Hospice.

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Walter Joseph Atkinson

July 2, 1936 - September 30, 2022