Thornton Ardene Atkins

Thornton Ardene (T.A.) Atkins, of 2372 Magnolia Road, Du Quoin, Illinois passed from this life on March 4, 2015, at the hour of 5:55 a.m. at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois.

Mr. Atkins was born in St. Johns, Illinois on Aug. 28, 1930, the son of Wesley Dale Atkins and Mary Ellen Atkins, nee Thornton.

Mr. Atkins was joined in marriage to his beloved wife, Venita Lee Atkins nee Thornton, on Jan. 1, 1954. To their union, only one child, Aaron A. Atkins, was born.

Mr. Atkins was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad commencing in 1946. His service to the Illinois Central was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Navy in October 1947. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in October 1951, having attained the rank of petty officer. He immediately resumed his service with the Illinois Central Railroad, and remained so engaged until his retirement in 1990.

Mr. Atkins was a member of Sacred Heart Church, where he had served on the Parish Council and as an usher for the Latin Mass from 2000 -2009. He was a member of the Du Quoin Knights of Columbus 3rd & 4th Degree, Du Quoin American Legion, Du Quoin Veterans of Foreign Wars, Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce and the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Atkins' interests were many and varied, but most of his leisure hours were devoted to the care and improvement of his Paradise Prairie farm, Magnolia Lawn and his town residence, The Cedars.

Mr. Atkins leaves behind his son, Aaron A. Atkins, his beloved family Doberman, Royce, and one brother, William Dale Atkins, and his favorite nephew, Brian Dale Atkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Visitation will be at Searby Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Illinois, on Sunday evening, March 8, 2015, between the hours of 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at the funeral home on Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be said from Sacred Heart Church, Du Quoin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2015 with Fr. Nick Junker officiating.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Navy.

Friends may make memorials to Masses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.