Leslie Paul Atkinson

In Loving Memory

Leslie (Les) Paul Atkinson

Psalms 37:39 NIV

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

OBITUARY

Leslie (Les) Atkinson, 83, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.

Les was born in Butte, Nebraska on November 23, 1940 to George Alfred Atkinson and Esther Amelia (Salstrand) Atkinson. He was the youngest of five sons. The family moved to McPherson, KS when Les was in grade school. He graduated from Central Christian High School in 1959 and Central Junior College in 1961.

Les attended Emporia State Teacher’s College and earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1963. Les went on to earn his master’s degree in education  with a concentration in physics and chemistry in 1974.

Les and Darlene met at the Free Methodist Church while attending Emporia University and married May 25, 1963. They were blessed to recently celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Les taught science, industrial arts, chemistry, and physics and coached basketball in small schools in Kansas before moving to Lawrence in 1969. He taught science and industrial arts at South Junior High from 1969-1984. Les started the wrestling program at South Junior High, where the team acquired many trophies.

In 1984, Les took a position with Farmland Industries as a Chemist, where he continued his career until his retirement in 2002. In retirement, he started a handyman service and took great pride in helping others. He often provided free services for widows in the church.

Les was raised in a Christian home and his faith in Christ was an important part of his life. Les and Darlene held numerous service  positions at Lawrence Free Methodist Church (now called River City Church). In particular, they enjoyed their time sponsoring many youth activities and trips. Les enjoyed serving as a greeter and an usher in the church as well.

Les and Darlene loved to travel. In retirement, they enjoyed several winters at LLANO Grande Resort in Mercedes, TX. They were always on the go and enjoyed many activities and developed deep friendships during this time. In 2020, they moved to Lenexa to be closer to family.

Les is survived by his wife, Darlene, of Lenexa, KS; daughter Kimberly (Kyle) Tilley of Rogers, AR, daughter Denise (David) Alphson of Lenexa, KS, and son Brian (Lea) Atkinson, of Bel Aire, KS; Grandchildren Kaitlin Tilley, Brennan (Lisa) Tilley, Brooke Tilley, Gabrielle Alphson, Calista Alphson, and Brody Atkinson; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Elizabeth Tilley; and his brothers, Charles and Donald.

Les was preceded in death by their first child, Cynthia Ranae Atkinson, his parents, and two brothers, Lawrence and Melvin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on February 19, 2024 at River City Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence, KS 66047.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, ℅ Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.