SPC Thomas ‘Tom’ M. Atkins, SR.
Vietnam
Army
August 3, 1946 - January 13, 2020
SP4 295th Army Reserve Unit 1965-1971
Parents: Melvin ‘Moe’ & JoAnn Atkins
Spouse: Linda J. (Gibson) Atkins
Children: Jeanne & Carl Mettenbrink, Tom & June Atkins JR, Josie Atkins.
Grandchildren: Derek & Kadee Mettenbrink, Sasha & Casey Miller, Maddie Atkins, Rachel Atkins, Hayden Atkins, Hadley Atkins
Sibling: Jerry D. & Ann Atkins
Tom began a long career in road construction at 16 working on his Dad’s crew as I-80 was beginning in the Grand Island to Brady, NE areas. 1980 Tom was offered & declined to run the then largest asphalt plant in the USA. Moving to Oklahoma City was the kicker.
Grand Island was home. Family was here.
Mid 1980’s Tom SR, Jerry Atkins & Ron Baldwin would form JIL Asphalt Paving CO, that continues today under new owners Tom Atkins JR, Gabe Baldwin & Chad Boughton.
Graduating GINW in the school’s 1st Class of 1964. His 3 children & 4 of his Grandchildren have graduated from GINW. The last 2 will graduate GINW in 2025 & 2029.
Joining the 295th Army Reserve Unit in 1965, which was activated in 1968 & deployed to Chu Lai, Duc Pho & Hill 63 SVN through October 1969. Tom would remain to help rebuild the 295th until November 1971. Highlights of SVN were swimming in the South China Sea, building ‘The Toy’ Jeep from spare parts in the motor pool tent but the best was the bird he caught to return home.
Throughout Tom’s life spending time with his family, car racing & showing horses were top activities. Not one to get behind the wheel on the race track, but he knew people looking for a fast ride. He made his cars run fast enough winning 2 local track championships while making many friends. In the horse show arena, he took up the reins just long enough to win an Amateur Reserve World Championship standing at halter with a gelding from his stud, Misters Pizazz.
He would not like the attention that Hometown Heroes brings.
He called his Mom every night for 7 yrs.
He loved his family. Fiercely protective.
He was especially proud of his Grandchildren. He had a nickname for each.
He was our hero we shared with the world.
