William Atkins, 81, died Oct. 20 at his home in Kansas City, Kan.

He was born Dec. 17, 1929, in Summit Township, Marion County to Cliton Edgar and Jessie L. (Hess) Atkins. He attended rural and Peabody schools.

William served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He married his wife, Barbara, in 1954 and moved his family to Kansas City where he was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He retired in 1986.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard Clinton, and a sister, Betty Maxine Seibel.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; three sons, David Atkins, Daniel Atkins, and Michael Atkins, and one daughter, Kathy Cygiel; a brother, Paul Atkins; a sister, Marian Break; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

William was a member of White Church Christian Church and VFW Post 5851. He was a volunteer at the Children’s Museum in Kansas City, Kan.

Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at White Church Christian Church, 2200 N. 85th St. Kansas City, Kan. Porter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.porterfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Which Church Christian Church.