Robert Wayne Atkinson, Jr.

Robert Wayne Atkinson, Jr., 86, died August 28, 2026 in Derby, Kansas. Born January 22, 1940 in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Robert Atkinson, Sr., and Nina Aline (Clarke) Atkinson.

Bob was good at anything he chose to undertake - whether welding, car mechanic, to community leader and company owner. He was well-respected in the construction field and Udall community, where he served in many volunteer roles, including school board president. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed serving in the temples and local wards at whatever role the Lord called him.

Bob is survived by his wife Carole; his children Chad (Ragan) Atkinson, Justin (Hollie) Atkinson, and Brad (Barbie) Atkinson; grandchildren, Alondra (Spencer) Cummings, Elias Atkinson, Hyrum Atkinson, Faith (Tate) Allan, Samantha Atkinson, Ethan Atkinson, Broc (Tiffany) Atkinson, Parker Atkinson, Emily (Chris) Kordakis, Jacob Atkinson, Benjamin (Vanessa) Atkinson, Heather (Mike) Ferguson, Nicole (Jacob) Gillispie, Bryce (Delaney) Atkinson, Brooke Atkinson; great-grandchildren Trent, Hailey & Zachary Fleenor, Riley Allan, Martin, Jocelyn & Ben Atkinson, Max & Liam Kordakis, Delila Atkinson, Declan & Beckett Ferguson, Annie & Fletcher Gillispie, Witt Atkinson.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother Nina and two younger brothers, Gary and Stanley, as he survived the Udall tornado in May of 1955. He lost his father, Robert St., six months later. Bob is also preceded in death by his eldest son Travis, and his wife, Valerie.

Visitation 5-7pm Friday, September 4, at Smith Mortuary in Derby. Celebration of Life 10am to 1pm Saturday, September 5, in the Cultural Hall at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1409 S. Rock Rd., Derby, Kansas. Graveside services to be held in the Udall Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Udall Community Historical Society, 109 East First St., Udall Ks. 67146.