Gerald Lee Atkinson, 87 of Centralia passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at The Neighborhoods in Columbia.

Graveside services will be held 12:00 PM Monday, October 12, 2026, at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Centralia.

Gerald was born on October 30, 1938, in Winfield, KS, the son of Francis Bryan and Mary (Case) Atkinson.

Gerald served his country in the United States Air Force.

After returning home from serving his country, Gerald married Maggie Cates on April 10, 1965, she preceded him death on November 8, 2007.

Gerald is survived by his children, Jesse Brian Atkinson of Del Rio, TX, Regina Grace Phillips and husband Kevin of Thompson, Andrea Dawn Hightshoe and husband Terry of Mexico, Robin “Daniel” Atkinson and wife Raven of Oklahoma City, OK; 12 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Along with his wife, Maggie, Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, two granddaughter, Brandy Phillips and Addison Atkinson, two brothers and one sister.

Gerald enjoyed gardening, cookies, taking care of his Hibiscus plants, tractors, and going to tractor pulls. His great joys in life were being a truck driver, and being a father and grandfather, family was very special to him.