Leslie Paul Atkinson
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In Loving Memory
Leslie (Les) Paul Atkinson
Psalms 37:39 NIV
The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
OBITUARY
Leslie (Les) Atkinson, 83, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.
Les was born in Butte, Nebraska on November 23, 1940 to George Alfred Atkinson and Esther Amelia (Salstrand) Atkinson. He was the youngest of five sons. The family moved to McPherson, KS when Les was in grade school. He graduated from Central Christian High School in 1959 and Central Junior College in 1961.
Les attended Emporia State Teacher’s College and earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1963. Les went on to earn his master’s degree in education with a concentration in physics and chemistry in 1974.
Les and Darlene met at the Free Methodist Church while attending Emporia University and married May 25, 1963. They were blessed to recently celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Les taught science, industrial arts, chemistry, and physics and coached basketball in small schools in Kansas before moving to Lawrence in 1969. He taught science and industrial arts at South Junior High from 1969-1984. Les started the wrestling program at South Junior High, where the team acquired many trophies.
In 1984, Les took a position with Farmland Industries as a Chemist, where he continued his career until his retirement in 2002. In retirement, he started a handyman service and took great pride in helping others. He often provided free services for widows in the church.
Les was raised in a Christian home and his faith in Christ was an important part of his life. Les and Darlene held numerous service positions at Lawrence Free Methodist Church (now called River City Church). In particular, they enjoyed their time sponsoring many youth activities and trips. Les enjoyed serving as a greeter and an usher in the church as well.
Les and Darlene loved to travel. In retirement, they enjoyed several winters at LLANO Grande Resort in Mercedes, TX. They were always on the go and enjoyed many activities and developed deep friendships during this time. In 2020, they moved to Lenexa to be closer to family.
Les is survived by his wife, Darlene, of Lenexa, KS; daughter Kimberly (Kyle) Tilley of Rogers, AR, daughter Denise (David) Alphson of Lenexa, KS, and son Brian (Lea) Atkinson, of Bel Aire, KS; Grandchildren Kaitlin Tilley, Brennan (Lisa) Tilley, Brooke Tilley, Gabrielle Alphson, Calista Alphson, and Brody Atkinson; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Elizabeth Tilley; and his brothers, Charles and Donald.
Les was preceded in death by their first child, Cynthia Ranae Atkinson, his parents, and two brothers, Lawrence and Melvin.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on February 19, 2024 at River City Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, ℅ Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
What a wonderful person that has gone to be with the Lord. Donna and I count our blessing just knowing Les each winter at Llano. He certainly worked for the Lord in so many ways. God bless Les, Darlene, and the entire family.
Dear Atkinson Family, Your parents were so kind to us when we moved to Lawrence the summer of 1985 for Joel to attend KU & for Sarah to work at LMH with Darlene as her mentor. We enjoyed attending church with them & they included us in social activities & supported us as young-married adults. They were sacrificial with their time & we will always have wonderful memories of them & our 6 years in Lawrence. You are in our prayers in this season of bereavement.
Joel & Sarah Voth
Mr. Atkinson was my science teacher at SJH and I admired his skills to teach and be sure we knew what we had taught us..
He was a great teacher and a friend as well through my years at SJH.
RIP Mr. Atkinson
How blessed I was to meet Les and Darlene Atkinson several years ago in Llano Grande , Mercedes , Texas during the winter season. Both made me feel part of there family.
Played golf a few times with Les and what a great friend he was.
Les will be missed such a great human being touching my life and making it better.
Will miss you forever dear friend but know your now resting in peace waiting for the day we meet again.
Thoughts and prayers are with you Darlene and family. Lots of good memories when I attended the Free Methodist Church. Darlene I know you’ll miss your best friend of many years. Rest in peace knowing Les is in heaven. Hugs dear friend.
Darlene, I’m very sorry.
Mike Miller
LMH Volunteer
We were so sorry to hear that Les past away. Our heart go out to you and your family. John and I will not be able to go to Mermorial for Les as John took a bad fall in the ice and has a head injury. He is doing great.
For me there was no greater loss than that of one’s husband. My heart & prayers go out to you & your family. I worked with Les at Farmland. He was always such a pleasant & great guy! Saw you two at KS day in TX too. May the Lord bless you & give you comfort. Betty Guder
Darlene and family,
Rodger and I send our love and prayers to you at the passing of Les. I have many memories of the things he taught me at South Junior High. He was a good and caring teacher. Then, we got to know you and your family at church and watched your children grow up. You were a good team and I know you are missing him so much.
We are sending love to you all.
Les & Darlene were the first people, my wife, Beth, and I met in the lobby when we first visited Lawrence Free Methodist Church. I know many others could say that less than Darlene were the reason they felt so welcomed. Our condolences to you Darlene and the rest of the family.
Darlene, Kim & Kyle, Denise & David, Brian & Lea, family,
Sending our love and prayers to your family at this difficult time in our lives. May you find peace and know the love he had for your family will continue on with all of you forever.
Sincerely, Kelly & Dianne Gonser