The Excelsior Standard, Oct. 25, 2024

Mart Atkinson

Mart Elbert Atkinson, 94, of Excelsior Springs passed away Oct. 17, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Mart was born Sept. 3, 1930, to Oscar and Audie (Wells) Atkinson in Elijah. He was the youngest of six children growing up in Bakersfield and graduated from Bakersfield High School. Mart began working at a young age, first during the summer wheat harvest in Texas, then north in Kansas; a short period as a lumberjack in Colorado; and later at several businesses in Excelsior Springs, including The Elms Hotel and Spa and the Marietta Drug Store.

Eventually, he made his way to Salina, Kan., to work as a carpenter with an older brother. While there, he met his future bride, Delphine Deschner. They married on Dec. 30, 1950, and their 73 years of marriage was blessed with love and five children.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a tank instructor at Fort Knox, Ky. After discharge, he eventually settled the family in Excelsior Springs, where he built many homes and constructed the original Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.

In the mid-1960s, the business focus became Atkinson Plumbing Co.; and in the following decades, Mart was utilized by numerous builders for plumbing new construction of the housing developments that were part of the area’s growth.

Mart held various community roles, including serving on various boards for the city.

He was an elder and served numerous positions at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.

Mart was preceded in death by his beloved wife Delphine; parents, Oscar and Audie Atkinson; sisters, Dona Ingle and Opal Bartram; brothers, Lloyd, Noble and Ray; and one grandson, Brandon Warren.

He is survived by his five children: son Kenneth Atkinson of Excelsior Springs; son Ron (Debby) Atkinson of Norman, Okla.; daughter Linda (Jody) Pasalich Excelsior Springs; son Roger (Elvie) Atkinson of Kansas City; and daughter Marla (Phillip) Broadbent of Lawson.

Other survivors include 11 grandchildren, Rachel, Shane, Heather, Nathan, Amanda, Jesse, Kent, Tina, BJ, Mason and Rolvie; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mart loved road trips, and took many trips with his wife, family and friends, traveling to all 48 contiguous states. Even in his final days, he enjoyed going for car rides or hearing about the travel adventures of his children and grandchildren, and looking through photos of trips.

He enjoyed watching the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren participate in sports and was often their biggest cheerleader. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren are blessed to have fond memories playing card games with him, and if lucky, a rare chance of beating him at dominoes.

Mart was dedicated to his family and was quick to help anyone. He will be remembered as a friendly, caring individual who treated others as he would want to be treated. His hearty laugh and warm smile will be forever missed.

A visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. before the funeral services, which will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1215 Baldwin St., Excelsior Springs. Graveside services will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home.