Joseph Atkins, Jr

CUYAHOGA FALLS-The Rev. Dr. Joseph W. Atkins, Jr. died November 14, 2013. Joe was born June 11, 1935, in Darby, PA to Joseph W. and Hannah (Van Meter) Atkins. He was a graduate of Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA, Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ, and received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.

He served a post-graduate internship in the Hamtramck Presbyterian Church, Hamtramck, Michigan, served as pastor of the Brotherhood Presbyterian Church, Wichita, KS, and retired after more than 27 years as pastor of the Northminster Presbyterian Church in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Following retirement, Joe was named Pastor Emeritus of the Northminster Church and continued his ministry serving committees and councils of his Presbytery and Synod and supplying teaching and preaching as invited by various local congregations. He had been active in the Cuyahoga Falls Clergy Fellowship and was a member of the Akron Torch Club. Joe enjoyed his vegetable garden, his Lionel trains, his books and playing and watching sports, especially football and baseball. Needless to say, above all else, he enjoyed his family-wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandsons!

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Claire (Burchill) Atkins; daughters, Heather (Scott) Cone of Kettering, OH and Deborah (Kurt) Obendorfer of Bath, OH; brothers, Wesley (Patty) Atkins of Louisburg, NC and J. Neal (Joan) Atkins of West Chester, Pa; grandsons, Alan and Daniel Cone, Chad Jones and Cory Obendorfer; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Calling hours will be 2:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Monday, November 18 at the Northminster Presbyterian Church, 104 W. Portage Tr. Ext., Cuyahoga Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Stephanie Crossland will officiate. Private family burial will be at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park in Cuyahoga Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northminster Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 330-928-2147.