He was born Sept. 8, 1937 to parents Wilson and Virginia Atkins in Filbert, W.V. He was the second oldest of eight children.
Fred served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander and cook. He then worked for the Safeway bakery in Los Angeles for 26 years before retiring. He became active in the Moose Lodge in California before moving to Hermiston. Fred became very involved with the VFW Post 4750, Masons, Shriners, American Legion and Grange in Hermiston.
Fred leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Helen Rose Atkins; three children, Joe Sams, of Hermiston, Sharlette Digges and husband Richard of
San Ardo, Calif., and Velinda Pinner of Dallas, Texas; sisters, Peggy Noland Hix and husband Lonnie of San Diego, Mellisa Jamison of Fall City, Wash., and brothers Ron Atkins and wife Ella of Hermiston, Tony Atkins and wife Melody of Fresno, Calif.; grandchildren, Angela Stromley and husband Joey, Sondra Guel-Nino, Christopher Digges and wife Bel, Charles Digges and wife Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Tray Moody and wife Lexi, Matthew Husemann, Patrick and Dawson Henry (Guel-Nino), Genevieve, Sebastian, Elizabeth, Penelope, Madeleine and Nathaniel Digges; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Wilson Atkins; mother, Virginia Atkins; stepfather Dwain Barker; brothers, Howard, Jerry, and Jakey Atkins.
He loved his family, country, church and church family. His love and generosity for family and friends will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace. We all love you.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston. Burial with military honors will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery. There will be a potluck gathering at the VFW Hall, 45 W. Cherry Ave., following the burial.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Country Church, 32742 Diagonal Road, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please send condolences at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
