May 10 1935 June 22 2022
Don Atkins, 87, of Taylor, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. Don was born on May 10, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. He served in the United States Marine Corp as a 2nd Lieutenant and was a pilot for rescue, troop transport, and cargo helicopters, during the Vietnam War. He also served in the United States Navy. After his military service, he was an airline pilot captain for Braniff-Piedmont and US Air Airlines. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Camille De St. Germain and Dorothy Marie (Peddicord) Atkins and sister, Diane De St. Germain Thomas. Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Helen Atkins of Taylor; children Shawn Atkins (Doris) of College Station, Texas, James Arthur Atkins (Mindy) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Michelle Germain Atkins of Taylor; brothers, David Atkins of Forestburg, Texas, Bobby De St. Germain of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Alvin De St. Germain of Marrero, Louisiana; sisters, Yvette De St. Germain Pohlmann of Carriere, Louisiana and Debbie Atkins Griffin of Sherman, Texas; grandchildren, Chance William Atkins (Sara) of Houston, Texas, Hutton Tate Atkins of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Laura Marilyn Atkins of Austin, Texas, Addison Elizabeth Atkins and Neely Reed Atkins of Fort Mill, South Carolina; and great grandson Pierce William Atkins ( “The Great One” Don’s name for his eighth month old great grandson!) of Houston, Texas. He leaves behind many sweet friends that he loved just like family. An informal Celebration of Life service will be held from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 9265 Hwy 371 South, Taylor, AR 71861. All are welcome to come by. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Enhabit/Encompass Hospice, 128 North Washington, Magnolia, AR 71753. To sign the online guest book or to share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Don Atkins May 10 1935 June 22 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Magnolia, state: Arkansas
Don was a delight to fly with. He had an incredible sense of humor. May you have a great flight West Don.
Sharyn Finnegan
Braniff International Flight Hostess
I will always remember Don Atkins when we were pilots at BNF Airlines. Don and I completed our First Officer, B-727 qualification in the aircraft at PSA in San Diego, CA together with IP Les Deline in early1968. The Marine Corp did a great job with Don’s learning to fly as I remember. He was a natural at the controls. What I remember best about the man, Don Atkins was his great personality and friendship. He was a joy to be around and always displayed his positive personality.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Rod Keng
6/25/2022