Jerry "Flea" Atkin

Jerry "Flea" Atkin, 82, of Holts Summit, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Oak Tree Villa. He was born on June 6, 1938 in Centertown, the son of the late Robert W. and Gertrude (Green) Atkin. He was united in marriage to Mary Bailey on August 19, 1956, in Cedar City. He was a member of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church and was active in the building and maintenance of the facility. For many years he worked for M.C. Rippeto Co.,15 years as a lather, retired after 28 years as manager of the Callaway County Water District #1, and went on to work at Water and Sewer Supply of Columbia for 13 years. Jerry's great passion was racing. He drove for Trammel Brothers, Sparkey Carver, Gene and Jake Schenewerk, Gary Scott, Dale Hassler, Jack Foster, John Berkstresser and many others. He loved building and driving his own cars with the help of good friends, Jim Woodland and Doug Case. He raced from 1956 - 1978. Jerry drove modified, late model and sprint cars. He raced all over Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas but his favorite track was Capital Speedway in Holts Summit. In their free time, he and Mary enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and attending their grandchildren's activities. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 64 years; Mary Atkin; children: Brenda Whorton (Tim), Randy Atkin (Judi) and Lori James (Terry); grandchildren: Andy Ruprecht (Jennifer), Joe Ruprecht (Susan), Carly James, Connor James, and Dawn Pierce; great-grandchildren: Brody Ruprecht, Alex Keaver, Reese Ruprecht, Lila Ruprecht, and Lucas Ruprecht; brother: Richard Atkin (Belinda); sister-in-law: Marvis Atkin; seven nieces and one nephew. Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers: Howard, Paul and Bob Atkin. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Holts Summit with Funeral Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that expressions of sympathy be made to the Family of Jerry Atkin. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.