James Lonnie “Kel” Atkinson

James Lonnie “Kel” Atkinson, 68, of Jasper, died Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Christus Dubuis Hospital of Beaumont, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 24, 1950, in Port Arthur, to Delores Marie Theriot Atkinson and William Claude “Bill” Atkinson, Jr.

He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1969 and held a variety of jobs before becoming an operator at the Gulf Oil Refinery just like his father. Though he battled chronic Crohn’s disease all of his life, Lonnie remained at Gulf as it was bought and sold, finally retiring from Valero. He moved to the Westwood Community on Lake Sam Rayburn just outside of Jasper and lived there until his death.

Lonnie was a Godly man, devoting his life to praising the Lord, sharing the Word and living every day for Jesus. He was a wonderful dad and PawPaw and always had time to talk, listen, help others repair things (though sometimes he made it worse instead) and doing good works for his family, friends and neighbors. Lonnie loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and was a motorcycle aficionado. During the final years of his life, he wasn’t able to do much riding, but he kept his Harley street legal and ready to roll. Lonnie said that he felt truly alive when he rode and always thought he would get healthy again to indulge in this joy.

Survivors include his children, Derik Atkinson and fiance, Alicia, of The Woodlands and Dody Atkinson and fiance, Ryan, of Willis; beloved grandchildren, Katlynn, Kowen, and Mikah Atkinson, of Conroe; Hunter Atkinson, of The Woodlands; Tyler and Jayden Powell, of Willis; and Elizabeth “Libby” Prince, of Memphis, Tennessee; siblings, Billy Atkinson and his wife, Joannie, of Warren and Renee Belt and her husband, David, of Jasper; aunt, Jo Ann Theriot, of Buna; and cousins, Peggy Moore; Richalene Atkinson; Larry Johnson; Mack McPhatter; Gerald Theriot; Glen Theriot; Cheryl Theriot; Debbie Ingham; David Theriot; and Chris Theriot.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Delores and Bill Atkinson; grandparents, Marguerite and W.C. “Pop” Atkinson, Sr. and Ora Theriot; and special cousins, Sondra Smead; Peggy Johnson; Danny Johnson; Mike Theriot; and Monte Theriot.

A gathering of Mr. Atkinson’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2019, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2019, at Broussard’s. Interment will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m., at Antioch Cemetery, 1850 FM 1004, Buna.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to his grandchildren’s education fund in care of his brother, Billy Atkinson, P.O. Box 575, Warren, Texas 77664.