Mart Elbert Atkinson

Mart Elbert Atkinson, age 94, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away surrounded y loved ones on October 17, 2024. Mart was born September 3, 1930 to Oscar and Audie (Wells) Atkinson in Elijah, MO. Mart was the youngest of six children growing up in Bakersfield, MO, and graduated from Bakersfield High School.

Mart began working at a young age, first during the summer wheat harvest in Texas, then north into Kansas, a short period as a lumberjack in Colorado, and later worked at several businesses in Excelsior Springs including the Elms Hotel and the Marietta Drug Store. Eventually he made his way to Salina, KS, to work as a carpenter with an older brother. While there he met his future bride, Delphine Deschner. They married on December 30, 1950 and their 73 years of marriage was blessed with love and five children.

Mart served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a Tank Instructor at Fort Knox, KY, and after discharge he eventually settled the family in Excelsior Springs, MO, where he built many homes and also constructed the original Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. In the mid 60’s the business focus became Atkinson Plumbing Company 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 a variety of community roles, sat 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; his 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, Excelsior Springs, MO, son Ron (Debby) Atkinson, Norman, OK, daughter Linda (Jody) Pasalich,
Excelsior Springs, MO, son Roger (Elvie) Atkinson, Kansas City, MO, and daughter Marla (Phillip) Broadbent, Lawson, MO; and 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 travel adventures of his children and grandchildren and looking through photos of trips. He enjoyed watching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren 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. prior to funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 28, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 1215 Baldwin Street, Excelsior Springs, MO. Graveside services will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.

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