Robert Donald Atkinson

Robert Donald Atkinson, 80, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2020, at Oak Tree Villas. He was born May 20, 1939, in Boonville, Missouri, the oldest of five children to the late John and Carolyn (Holmes) Atkinson. Bob was a 1957 graduate of Boonville High School, a 1962 graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, and a Master's degree in Sanitary Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. On October 2, 1993, he was united in marriage to Sandra K. Smith, who survives at the home. On June 23, 1962, he was previously united in marriage to Donna K. Cowan, who survives. Bob spent his 42-year career with the State of Missouri beginning with the State Health Department and later with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He retired from the Jefferson City office as an Environmental Engineer III in January of 2005. Bob enjoyed sports and coached Little League when his boys were young. He was a Boy Scout leader for troops in two local churches and was an adult sponsor for trips to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He held various positions with the Missouri State Water Commission as well as AWWA. He was a lifetime member of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and had served as treasurer on the State and National level as well as being an Outstanding Engineer nominee. He enjoyed serving in various ministries through Cornerstone Baptist Church where he had been a member since 2001. He became a member of The Gideons International in 1986 and enjoyed serving through that association. He and Sandy attended International Gideon Conventions throughout the United States, stopping to visit family and friends along the way. Bob was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, whether it was financial, assisting in a move, or transportation. He was a resourceful person who loved to share with others a good place to eat or an upcoming event in the community. Other survivors include two sons, James (Mariate Echeverry) Atkinson, Asheville, N.C.; Philip (Marianne) Atkinson, St. Louis, Mo.; five grandchildren, Hannah Cameron-Atkinson, William Atkinson, Harrison Atkinson, Sophia Echeverry-Pereda, Asheville, N.C.; Mckenzie Atkinson, St. Louis; three sisters, Carolyn Ruth Williams, Liberty, Mo.; Mary Jane Fudge, Blue Springs, Mo.; Linda Ann (Jim) Potter, Columbia, Mo.; one niece and six nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, J. Paul Atkinson; and two brothers-in-law, Ed Williams and Jay Fudge. Visitation will be 9:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jefferson City. Funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Dr. Brian Credille officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 4930 Old Lohman Rd., Jefferson City, MO 65109; The Gideons International, PO Box 492, Jefferson City, MO 65102; or Central Missouri Hospice, 2505 Mission Dr., #320b, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.