Thomas Dean

Atkinson

Thomas Dean Atkinson passed on to be with Jesus on June 3, 2022, in Oklahoma City. Dean was born to late Charles Reuel and Zaida Belle Wooten Atkinson on November 20, 1936, in Ardmore, OK. Dean was the fourth of five siblings: late Mary Frances Roberts, Wendall Ray Atkinson, Carolyn Elleen Blankenship, and Paul Herbert Atkinson.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia Aileen Atkinson of Newcastle, OK, and devoted sons: Charles Wade Atkinson and wife Angi of Pikeville, KY, and William "Bill" Todd Atkinson and wife Melissa of Yukon, OK. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 1 great which include Michael Olan Atkinson and wife Dallas, Hannah Elizabeth Atkinson, Emily Claire Atkinson, Miriam Grace Atkinson Manicom and husband Neal and daughter Evelyn, William Todd II "Wills" Atkinson, Rebecca Nuckels & husband Cameron, Macaulin Appleton, Kaleb Yost, Brogan Sullivan, and Keegan Sullivan.

Dean was well known for his hard work ethic. "He could fix anything!" He worked with cars from age 11 and had a career in auto-body and upholstery. He contributed to the production of many show cars. Ordained as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene, Dean compassionately served as pastor, evangelist, and elder throughout his life. His love for Work & Witness led him on several mission trips to Mexico.

Dean is known as quiet and gentle, thoughtful, insightful and studious. He enjoyed people, assisting for a time as chaplain for the Newcastle Fire Department. He served our nation in the Army during the Korean War conflict, driving in Motor T for his lieutenant across enemy lines and providing mail service. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and bass guitar and occasionally singing specials, such as, "Don't Come to Heaven Alone." Every Christmas, Dean would read Luke 2 at the family gathering, reminding everyone of the true meaning, the first coming of Jesus Christ to provide the opportunity for people to repent of sin and be born again as children of God.

A memorial service for Dean will be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Norman Community Church of the Nazarene, located at 1801 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. Friends and family are invited for a visitation immediately following the service. Arrangements are under the direction Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations toward the Nazarene Work & Witness can be made through GoFundMe .