Laurence E. Atkinson (1928-2021)

ATKINSON, JUDD, SHOULDERS, SPINDEL

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/13/2021 at 20:15:55

Laurence “Larry” E. Atkinson, 92, of Port Byron, IL, passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Mercy One Medical Center, Clinton, IA. Services will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Gibson–Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Visitation will be from 4–7 pm Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Port Byron. Memorials may be made to Riverdale Booster Club, Coe Lamb American Legion Post 421, or the River Valley District Library.
Larry was born on December 1, 1928, in Rock Island, IL, to Robert and Hazel (Judd) Atkinson. He was a Boy Scout, earning the highest rank of Eagle. He graduated from Riverdale High School in Port Byron and Black Hawk College. Larry went on to serve four years in the United States Navy. He married Zuma Hufton on June 2, 1951 in North Carolina.
Larry worked for John Deere, retiring in 1984. After retirement, Larry and Zuma spent time in Arizona, Illinois, and several summers on the outer banks of North Carolina. He was a member of the Port Byron Congregational Church, Coe Lamb American Legion Post 421 in Port Byron, Moose Club, and Vikings Club. Larry had a love for polka dancing and all sports, especially wrestling.
Larry is survived by his wife Zuma; son Alan (Susan) Atkinson, Moline, IL; daughters, Melanie Spindel (Randy Bickford), Maquoketa, IA, and Cindy (Barry) Shoulders, Bettendorf, IA; grandchildren, David Folwell, Miranda Spindel, Ashley McDowell, Melissa Folwell, Alex (Kelly) Shoulders, Alicia Shoulders, and Erik Daubman Sr.; great grandchildren, Ethan Daubman, Erik Daubman, Jr., Talon Askelson, Gatlin McDowell, Gunner McDowell, Gaige McDowell, Keegan Shoulders, Regan Shoulders, and Brook Denato. He was preceded in death by brothers, Melvin Atkinson and Robert Atkinson, and a sister Arlynn Sallows. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com