Thomas R. Atkinson

Thomas R. Atkinson passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer in the morning hours of Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife at his side.

He was born to John and Edna Belle Cary Atkinson in Newcomerstown, Ohio on September 28, 1941. He graduated from Newcomerstown High School in 1959 and the received his degree from Denison University in 1963. His law degree was obtained from Ohio Northern University in 1966. Following graduation from law school Tom entered the United States Army and served in Vietnam for a year. Upon his return he worked in Cincinnati for W.H. Anderson before moving to Marietta in 1970 to practice law. There he became prosecuting attorney and served as acting judge for twenty years in the Marietta Municipal Court. He practiced law until two weeks prior to his death. Tom was a member of the Rotary Club, the Ad Club, the American Legion, the Elks Club, as well as the Washington County, the American and the Ohio Bar Associations.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Mary Lou (Riley) Atkinson, whom he married on March 20, 1966. He is also survived by his sons, Joshua Atkinson and Matthew Atkinson (Tricia) and his three grandchildren, Michaela, Anderson, and Gabriel Atkinson.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Hospice, Dr. Kelli Cawley and her team at Strecker Cancer Center and to his secretary of thirty years, Marilyn Peters.

Calling hours will be from 3p.m to 5p.m. on Saturday, May 19th at McClure- Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home. Messages of sympathy may be sent at www.Lankfordfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.