Thomas M. Atkins, 75, of Millsboro, Del., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at his home on Sunday, April 9, 2017. He was born in Millsboro on July 18, 1941, son of the late Jacob Atkins and Emma (Hitchens) Atkins. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.
Atkins retired from DuPont Company in Seaford, Del., in 1991, with 34 years of service. He loved the outdoors and spending time at Hatteras and the Outer Banks in North Carolina. He loved fishing and hunting, and was a member of the Burnt Swamp Sportsmen’s Association in Gumboro, Del., and the American Legion Post 24 in Dagsboro, Del.
In addition to his parents, Atkins was preceded in death by a brother, Jacob Atkins, and a sister, Joyce Long. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Terry (Mears) Atkins; a son, Brian Atkins and his partner, Susan Clarkson, of Georgetown, Del.; a daughter, Crystal Trout and her husband, Eric, of Pennsylvania; a brother, Harvey Atkins of Delmar, Del.; a sister, Deborah Brandner of Millsboro; his mother-in-law, Sylvia Mears of Dagsboro; his caregiver of more than a year, Beth Tolson of Laurel, Del.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, April 14, 2017, with visitation starting at 11 a.m., at Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher Street, Frankford, Del. Interment will follow at Dagsboro’s Redmen Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Compassionate Care Hospice; 20165 Office Cir.; Georgetown, DE 19947. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.