Donald “Don” Delano Atkins, Sr (91) passed away peacefully at his home following a short illness surrounded by his family on August 23, 2026. Don was born September 14, 1934 at Red Dragon Hollow in Boone County West Virginia. Don is preceded in death by his parents Breza & Pharie Atkins and his six brothers, Ivan “Neal” (Winnie) Atkins, Charles (Carolyn) Atkins, Larry (June) Atkins, William Raby “Runt” (Nelda) Atkins, Ronnie (Etta) Atkins, and Robert (Brenda) Atkins. He is also preceded in death by his first wife Betty Jo Townsend Atkins, and his second wife Roberta Atkins as well as sons Donald Delano Atkins, Jr, Ronald Alan Atkins, and stepson Kevin Copeland. Don is survived by his daughter Shari Lea Atkins-Hall (James) of Indiana, his youngest son Kenneth Ray Atkins (Becky) of Berea, stepdaughter Dawn Rae May (Ben) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Don is also survived by his grandchildren Sasha Blackman, Jazmine Vest, Jonathan Atkins, Bradley Atkins, Alexandria (Alex) May, Micah May, Hannah May and Chase Copeland. He also had many very close nieces and nephews. He loved his family strongly and supported them in all ways over the years.
Don attended Sherman High School in Seth, WV for three years and left high school early with a GED because he wanted to enlist in the US Air Force early at age 17. His mother refused to sign for him to enlist early. As he often referred to himself as a “stubborn West Virginia hillbilly”, he was adamant about serving, and his father signed for him to enlist early. Don enlisted in 1952 and served until 1956 where he obtained the National Defense Service Medal for serving during the Korean War, and also a Good Conduct Medal. Don spent most of his service time in Mobile, AL where he enjoyed playing semi-pro baseball on and off the base. Don always wanted to be stationed in Hawaii and would put in for Hawaii every chance he got. When he finally got his deployment, the Air Force sent him to Iceland to serve. He had many great stories of his time in Iceland being so close to the Russian front. Don was proud of his service and really enjoyed it when people would thank him for his service while out in public.
Following his service time, like most hillbillies, Don relocated to Cleveland, OH to look for work as many of his brothers had. Don went to work for Elwell Parker Company. Don became a Cleveland Browns fan during his time in Cleveland, and one of his fondest memories was attending the first Monday Night Football in 1970 with his father, brothers and close friends as the Browns defeated Joe Namath and the New York Jets 31-21.
In 1970, Don embarked on an entrepreneurial endeavor as he relocated to Berea, KY as a partner in Superior Food Market. Don partnered with his longtime friend Conley Saylor who he had met and served with in the Air Force. Don later returned to the scheduling and purchasing background that he had in the manufacturing industry going to work for Parker Seal in Lexington, KY, and later with Sargent & Greenleaf in Nicholasville, KY from which he retired.
Don was known for his time coaching Senior League and Babe Ruth baseball. He had a good run for many years as the coach of the Yankees. He took pride in seeing his players develop and improve from his teaching. He enjoyed it when his former players would approach him in public and thank him for all he taught them.
Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in his company leagues and many fundraising events. His later years he enjoyed the fellowship of playing with several different retired groups on a weekly basis. His most recent group was truly one of the most special. Often referred to as the “old man golf group” but was better named the Fraternal Order of breakfast and golf.
Don’s faith was instrumental in all avenues of his life. Don was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church in Berea. Don walked the walk as he had a long-term ministry of music in the local nursing facilities. Don played for years with many different musicians and was always recruiting more.
During his final years as he and Roberta aged, they were tremendously blessed by some special neighbors that watched over them and helped them. Keith and Lisa Miller on one side, and Janette and the late Steve Lloyd on the other were guardian angels and Don’s family will forever be in gratitude for their assistance.
Don and Roberta were both blessed to have the special late-term care of care-giver and nurse Bonnie Hopkins. Words can’t begin to describe what a blessing Bonnie was during the final time for Don and Roberta, and the peace of mind she gave the family during her time of care.
There will be a private graveside service for family and close friends with Rev. Wayne Miller officiating and Lakes Funeral Home services. Don will be receiving full military honors.
Pallbearers are Matt Hall, Ben May, Micah May, Bradley Atkins, Keith Miller and Joe Reichel.
Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Wynn, Don Abney, Rusty Brandenburg, Ronnie Arnold, and the late Donnie Arnold and late Larry Sanders.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 337, Berea, KY 40403.
