Jesse Fred Atkinson
Funeral services for Jesse Fred Atkinson, 68, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Curry Street Church of Christ, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Atkinson passed away at 11:42 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at Ozarks Medical Center, surrounded by his friends and family, including most importantly, his best friend, Patsy Atkinson.
He was born May 13, 1950, at Moody, Missouri, to James Ross Atkinson and Doll Onetta Brown Atkinson. Jess graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1968. He lived life to the fullest and passed away while doing what he enjoyed most, spending time in the outdoors with his best friend, Patsy. After many years of adventures on his own, Jesse married his best friend and companion, Patsy Strong on September 24, 1976. After marriage, Jesse and Patsy continued their adventures together and lived life to the fullest, never missing an opportunity to take on another great adventure. Jesse lived an extraordinary life and made the best of the time he was given on this earth, not only enjoying life himself, but making life more adventurous for those around him. Although Jesse and Patsy did not have children of their own, they were actively involved in raising their nieces and nephews. The love Jess had for the children of his friends was surpassed by no other as he guided them as though they were his own, to help them become great young men and women. He left this world too soon and will be missed by many. Jess had many friends for whom he would do anything and in return, he only asked that they help themselves. Jess was faithful, loyal and never one to “shirk” a task. The world was a better place with him in it. He was a lifelong active member of Curry Street Church of Christ and loved his Lord deeply.
He is survived by his best friend and wife, Patsy Atkinson; and many nieces, nephews and close family.
His parents and one sister, Jane Reavis, preceded him in death.
Mr. Atkinson will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bakersfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children’s Home or Cystic Fibrosis Association of West Plains and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mike and Diana Pace
April 30, 2019 @ 6:08 pm
So sorry to learn of Jesse passing. We enjoyed visiting with him recently. We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Moore
May 1, 2019 @ 11:38 am
Stunned from the news! What a fun individual. He and Patsy made a trip to NY just that much more enjoyable. Loved getting to know both through our love of antiques. He was personality plus. My deepest sympathy.
David and Kathy Clark
May 1, 2019 @ 2:11 pm
We are very sad to hear of Jesse’s death. He is remembered as being thoughtful, caring and fun to be around. Patsy, you and all family and friends of Jess are in our prayers!
Amber L Redburn
May 1, 2019 @ 5:35 pm
Patsy,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to you upon the loss of Jesse Fred. You are in our daily prayers and thoughts. I have wonderful memories of Jessie at church always paying the children attention and recognizing us no matter our age. May God comfort, encourage, and support you daily through this difficult time. May God bless you.
In Christian Love,
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
LaVerna LEDBETTER Williams
May 1, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
Patsy, I am so sorry to hear of Jesse passing. You to were such a cute couple. He always had a smile and said hello when we seen you all. He will be greatly missed. You all are in our prayers…
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
May 2, 2019 @ 7:10 am
Patsy and other family members; we are so sorry to hear of Jesse’s passing. He will be missed by so many, but especially by you. You are in our prayers. God bless you.
Lisa North
May 2, 2019 @ 8:23 am
In shock. I am so very sorry to hear this. What a wonderful Christian man! I remembering him teaching our bible school class many years ago. Always a smile on his face and a kind word. Hugs and prayers to Patsy and family.
JANE HILBRICH
May 2, 2019 @ 9:01 am
Patsy, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear of Jess’s passing. He was a great person. I will always remember our good times at the dentist office. God be with you and your family.
Shelley Surface
May 2, 2019 @ 9:18 am
Patsy, I am so sorry to hear about Jesse. I will never forget the fun time we had on our trip to NYC. This was my first time to ever fly in a plane, and Jesse sat behind me on the flight, and it gave me comfort knowing he was back there. I took a picture of us on that plane, and I will cherish it forever. My dad and Jesse go back a long ways working together at RKL. I am Blessed to know you both. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am just up the road from you if you ever need me for anything at all. Hugs and Prayers to you!!!
Pam Fredrick
May 2, 2019 @ 9:52 am
Patsy, so very sorry to hear about Jesse. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time and always. Jesse was a special person as you well know and will be missed here on earth. Bless you at this time. Thoughts and prayers. Pam Fredrick
Pat Luther
May 2, 2019 @ 10:46 am
Larry and I were so sorry to hear about Jesse’s passing. Patsy, we always enjoyed running into the two of you and sharing hunting stories. You had many exciting adventures! Our prayers are with you! Larry and Pat Luther
Jim and Juanita Walker
May 2, 2019 @ 12:36 pm
Patsy, I am so sorry! I just heard about Jesse. Prayers for you for strength and peace.
Richard Kaminski
May 3, 2019 @ 9:03 am
Dear Patsy, we are completely devastated upon hearing the terrible news.
I just do not know what we are all going to do without him.
I cannot be there on Saturday, but I shall be watching live over the internet.
Love Richard & Maria in London, England.
Janie Gohn Richardson
May 3, 2019 @ 5:08 pm
I was shocked to read about Jesse in the paper. I went to college at West Plains with Jesse and Tony. He was a really great, fun person to know. Later I met you and Jesse at an auction in Willow Springs. I know he will be missed by all your family. Prayers.
Greg Bethel
May 4, 2019 @ 5:41 am
So sorry to hear of you loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Jess. He loved firearms n hunting turkeys . Good lord has gained a another Great Angel .. Prayers for all the family for peace in this time.
Wanda Hunter
May 4, 2019 @ 7:00 am
Patsy so sorry for your loss, he was an awesome person. Prayers to you and family. Wanda Hunter
Janis Collins Phillips
May 4, 2019 @ 11:54 am
Patsy and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Jesse passing. The class of 1968 has lost another member. You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Al Newberry
May 6, 2019 @ 2:10 pm
Patsy & family,
It seems like yesterday that Jesse and a group of “us guys” would walk the halls at WPHS and chat about this and that. Jesse was the funniest guy in the group and was a master of jokes based on word plays. Jesse had a special talent for such things and we were the benefactors of his humor.
Shalom, Jesse, Shalom. Many of us are not far behind you!