Marlyn Ray Atkinson

Marlyn Ray Atkinson, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 9:20 a.m. after an extended illness.

Marlyn Ray Atkinson was born on June 26, 1942 in Ozark County, Missouri, and is the son of the late Ray and Veryl (Pare) Atkinson. He was married to Kathryn Carder in 1964 and they had one son, Richard Martin born in 1969. He was a 1960 graduate of Excelsior Springs High School and attended William Jewel College. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Japan and Vietnam in aircraft maintenance. After his enlistment, he went back to school to finish his education, joined the USMC Reserves, and taught General Science and Biology at Excelsior Springs High School. He was a self-employed contractor in home construction for seven years before becoming an active reserve member in the Marine Corps where he finished his 30 year career as Chief Warrant Officer in avionics. Upon military retirement, he was a Master Engineer for Trans World Airlines from 1997-2001 and a Senior Engineer for American Airlines from 2001-2005.

Marlyn was a collector of antique aircraft and received his private pilot’s license in 1968, enjoying many hours of flight time and encouraging his son and grandchildren to become pilots. He also had his Airframes & Powerplants Mechanics License (A&P) with the Inspection Authority (IA). Marlyn was a member of the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri and an adoptive member of the Lakota Tribe at Pine Ridge. He took great pride in his Native American heritage. He was a member of Rock Falls Baptist Church for many years. He remained active in Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout and a Hardway Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say with his son and grandson, also Eagle Scouts. He served as president of the Excelsior Springs airport board for many years and remained an active advocate for the airport.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and a grandson, Marshall Raymond.

He is survived by Kathy of the home; his son Richard (Michelle) Atkinson of Smithville, MO; grandchildren, Morgan Atkinson and Molli Atkinson of Smithville, MO; a sister Donelda (David) Stockwell of Hilton, NY; one uncle, Mart (Delphine) Atkinson of Excelsior Springs, MO; many nieces, nephews and cousins; a very special “brother” Monty (Jeanne) Freeman of Kansas City, MO; and many, many friends.

Celebration of Life for Marlyn Ray Atkinson will be held 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at his home 34231 W. 120th Street, Excelsior Springs, MO, followed by the annual hanger party.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.