Thomas Howard. Atkins, 79, of LaGrange, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

Tom was born on February 12, 1945, in Kendallville, Indiana, at McCoy Memorial Hospital to parents Howard and Eleanor (Zollman) Atkins. Tom grew up in Kendallville, Indiana, where he attended Wolcottville High School. His journey into adulthood immediately followed when he married his high school sweetheart and joined the Navy. Their daughter was born shortly thereafter.

Tom served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1987 and retired with honors.

In 2002, he retired from FedEx as a Technical Writer after 15 years.

On October 5, 2002, in LaGrange he married the love of his life, Judith Ann "Judy" Cook.

One of his greatest joys was being a member of Woodruff Grove United Methodist Church, where he cherished his church family, sang in the choir, and actively took part in various events and celebrations. He also enjoyed singing karaoke and traveling across the country to visit family and friends. Additionally, he was a lifelong member of the VFW and the North American Hunting Club.

Tom is survived by a daughter, Druzelle Renee' Atkins of Los Angeles, California; a son, Howard "Jeff" Atkins of Tennessee; two stepdaughters, Katie Blagojevic of Angola, Indiana and Andrea Barnes of Tennessee; a grandson, Myles Levi Torres and eight step grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Wilhelm of Post Falls, Idaho; a brother, Charles "Chuck" Atkins of Rathdrum, Idaho; and five nieces and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Atkins on October 22, 2006, and his sister, Connie

Barber on March 27, 2023.

Visitation will be Friday, November 8, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodruff Grove United Methodist Church, 4860 S 450 E, Wolcottville.

The funeral service will be Friday, November 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the church with Pastor Chris

Wild officiating.

Burial will follow at Woodruff Cemetery.

Pallbearers are George Blagojevic, Nicholas Racioppi, Devin Naylor, Dan Aragon, Myles Torres, and Jaxon Riehl.

Honor guard services will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard and active duty members of the U.S. Navy.

Tom's funeral service on Friday will also live stream on the Young Family Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 2 p.m. for those unable to attend in person.

Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com