Stanley Atkinson

Stanley Wayne Atkinson December 2,1937 – April 24, 2026

Wayne was born to Ferrell and Dorothy (Brown) Atkinson in rural Missouri.

Wayne married Millie Morgan, the love of his life, on March 9,1957. They were rock solid parters for over 70 years.

Wayne attended Van-Far High School where he graduated in 1956.

Wayne enlisted in the Missouri National Guard where he served from 1954-1959.

After high school, Wayne worked for McDonnell Douglas for two years. He then returned home to work alongside his father in carpentry and helped build the house where he would live for the rest of his life. He also assisted his parents at their local restaurant, The Snack Bar, where many cherished memories were made. After holding several other jobs, he joined the garment industry and worked for Bobbie Brooks in Vandalia until the plant closed. He later worked for Narco Fire and Brick Company in Farber, Missouri, where he retired.

Not long after retiring, Wayne began a second career as a corrections officer at the Northeast Correctional Center in Bowling Green, Missouri. He was soon promoted to Tool Control Specialist and served in that role until retiring again seven years later. He once again came out of retirement and went to work part time at Ace Hardware for the remainder of his working years.

Wayne was an active member of the Beacon of Hope Church in Vandalia, MO. Wayne was a Scoutmaster of Troop 54 in Vandalia, MO for over 50 years. He received numerous awards through scouting including the Silver Beaver Award, one of scouting’s highest honors. Wayne’s love for scouting resulted in working with and inspiring hundreds of scouts to achieve their highest goals. He took great pride in every camping trip, whether it was at a local area or on canoe trips in Canada. He was very proud of helping over 50 young men receive their Eagle Scout Award and looked at each and every one of them as family.

Anyone that knew Wayne knew of his love for fishing. Sitting on any bank with a pole in his hand and Jesus in his heart was one of his happiest places to be. He was an avid fisherman and collector of vintage fishing lures.

He is survived by his four children

 Ricky Wayne Atkinson (Doris) of Perry, MO

 Vicky Elayne Hesse (Chris) of Curryville, MO

 Stacy D’ Ann Jennings of Curryville, MO

 LaDon Ferrell Akinson (Patricia) of Bowling Green, MO

Grandchildren

 Shane Bontz of Vandalia, MO

 Crystal Bontz of Vandalia, MO

 Tiffany Oglesby (Chris) of Perry, MO

 Ethan Atkinson (Natalie O’Neal) of Perry, MO

 Seth Jennings (Hannah) of Bowling Green, MO

 Morgan Jennings (Devin Graver) of Bowling Green, MO

 Lizabeth Atkinson of Bowling Green, MO

 Levi Atkinson of Bowling Green, MO

Great Grandchildren

 Lydia Bontz of Vandalia, MO

 Jocey Grant (Cody) of Vandalia, MO

 Parker Stevens of Perry, MO

 Draven Bontz of Covington, LA

 Cooper Oglesby of Perry, MO

 Rhett Jennings of Bowling Green, MO

 Adley Jennings of Bowling Green, MO

One Brother and best friend Raymond (Doris) Atkinson of Arizona.

Sister in laws Connie Morgan Marshall (Steve Brookshier) of Lake Hannibal, MO and Barbara Morgan of Moberly, MO. And one special fur baby, “Annie” As well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends,

He was proceeded in death by

 Parents Ferrell and Dorothy Atkinson

 Two Sisters Feraldine Atkinson and Nellie Overstreet

 One Brother Gary Atkinson

 Son in Law Edward Lee Jennings

 Great Grandson Callen Wayne Jennings

 Brother In Laws Ronnie Morgan, Roger Morgan, and Terri Marshall

 Sister in Law Judy Fry

 Lifelong Best Friend Eddie Marshall

Pallbearers will be Patrick Shane Bontz, Seth Jennings, Ethan Atkinson, Levi Atkinson, Cody Grant, Devin Graver, Draven Bontz, and Jason Bostic.

 Honorary pallbearers will be David Carlson, Billy Schaedel, and Parker Stevens.

Services will be held at Waters Funeral Home in Vandalia MO;

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Waters Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Vandalia Cemetery. Nathan Geese will officiate the service.

“If you want to honor Wayne in a way to make him smile, teach a child to fish, share his love of the outdoors with a young and joyful heart. Teach them to pray and thank the Lord for His blessings. I promise you, you will never regret it. He never did.” -John Overstreet