Kermit Emory Atkins, 97, formerly of rural Claremont, Illinois, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Copper Trace in Westfield, Indiana. He was born January 21, 1919 in Lawrence County, the son of Clarence and Roxie (Burkhart) Atkins. He married Inez Belle Shick on July 12, 1941, and she preceded him in death on February 6, 2011.
Kermit was a farmer who also worked at construction and in the oil fields. He was a member of the Gilead Presbyterian Church where he was an elder for many years. Kermit was a proud WWII veteran, serving in the US Army 79th Infantry Calvary from 1942-1945 in England, France, Germany, Holland and Czechoslovakia. He loved the outdoors and especially loved the country life and the space it allowed for his collection of old cars, motorcycles and other items of interest to him.
He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Pearson and her husband Richard of Carmel, Indiana; three grandchildren, Nathan Pearson of Chicago, Adrienne (Eldon) Whetstone of Carmel, and Jennifer Pearson of Indianapolis; and two great-grandsons, Nolan and Clayton Whetstone. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Kermit was preceded in death by his parents and wife, his brothers, Marley and Wilbur, and his sister Mabel Hobbs.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m.(CST) on Monday, March 14 at the Sivert-Macey &Steffey Funeral Home in Sumner, IL.
Visitation at the funeral home will be from 1:00 p.m. (CST) until service time at 2:00 p.m. (CST) Burial will follow at the Gilead Cemetery.