Rev. Dr. Chris Alan Atkins

Dr. Chris Alan Atkins passed away peacefully at his home in McCook with family and friends at his side on Sunday, April 10, 2011. He was 56 years old.

He was born on September 19, 1954 in Redbud, Illinois to Robert and Bettie Jean (Hawkins) Atkins. He graduated from Centralia High School, Centralia, Missouri in 1972. He continued his education at Calvary Bible College, Kansas City, Missouri, Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, and Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, Florida, completing a PhD in Biblical Studies.

On August 3, 1979, he was united in marriage to Eunice Laura Thorup in Kansas City, Missouri. To this union five children were born. They moved to the McCook community in 2006 where Rev. Chris was Pastor of Adult Ministries at the Evangelical Free Church.

His hobbies and pastimes included golf, watching all sports, dining out, travelling and writing. He enjoyed music and played guitar, held a black belt in karate, and knew both Greek and Hebrew, often memorizing a psalm in Hebrew.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert Atkins and Bettie Jean Cave.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice Atkins of McCook; children, Christopher Atkins and wife, Lauren, of Reston, Virginia, Jonathan Atkins of McCook, Andrew Atkins and wife, Jamie, of Jacksonville, Florida, Jennifer Lauren and Bethany Atkins both of McCook; brothers, Mike Atkins and wife, Sandy, of Mountville, Pennsylvania, Steve Atkins and wife, Brenda, of Holts Summit, Missouri, and Kevin Atkins of LaVista, Nebraska; sister, Linda and husband, Michael Hemp, of Frisco, Texas; two grandchildren, Evangeline Grace and Addison Brooke and a new granddaughter coming in July.

Memorials may be given in his name to the McCook Evangelical Free Church Building Fund.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 13, 2011, from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 14, 2011, 2:00 p.m., at the McCook Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Bruce Lester officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.