Lawrence Atkins

Lawrence D. Atkins of Grand Rapids passed away April 20, 2022, at the age of 86. Larry was born in Jackson, MI, on October 27, 1935, to John and Thelma Atkins. He grew up in the Jackson area and later lived in Parma and Spring Arbor.

Larry met his wife Carol, in high school at Jackson High. They were married for 65 years. She preceded him in death on December 30, 2021. He is survived by brothers Jack (Nancy) Atkins, Ed (Ginny) Atkins, children Susan (Dennis) Philpott, Tom (Erin Nelson) Atkins, Todd (Tiffany) Atkins, grandchildren Matt (Becky) Philpott, Andrew (Emily Koffman) Philpott, Emily Philpott, Ethan Nelson-Atkins, Myles Nelson-Atkins, Nate (Gwen) Atkins, Anna Atkins; great grandchildren Tenley, Alexandra, Adeline, Wesley and William.

Larry worked for Consumers Energy until his first retirement. He then held several hobby jobs which gave him the opportunity to continue to use his talents – Beffel Lighting (Jackson) and facilities maintenance at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church. He found great enjoyment at these post retirement jobs.

Larry had numerous hobbies that kept him busy – caring for his beloved pets, golfing, bowling, taking, and organizing pictures of family trips, and documenting family history information. He used his vocal talents to sing in various quartets. He was also always quick to answer a request from family to help with home improvement tasks, especially painting.

Larry was a very doting husband to Carol. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren fiercely. He was a devoted Christian and was a member of several churches -- Jackson Free Methodist, Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, and First Evangelical Covenant Church in Grand Rapids MI, which they joined after relocating to Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in 2016. It was through Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church that he participated in a mission trip to Peru in 2001.

He had a quirky sense of humor – classic ‘Dad’ jokes were his style. You did not want to be a recipient of one of his white elephant gifts—if you ask for more details, you must be ready for the response. Larry's nickname was Flo and he even created a photo book called 'Going with the FLO' for Carol and the family. Larry could recount events with meticulous detail. As custodian of many family heirlooms, each of the items possessed includes details of origin—something the family truly appreciates… now.

Larry took pride in his yard, his house, and his family. A true nurturer. Above all else Larry put his family first, always and to the end.

A service to remember and celebrate the lives of Larry and Carol will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 2 PM in the chapel at Covenant Living of the Great Lakes, 2510 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with the family beginning at 1 PM. To share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Cascades Humane Society in Jackson, Michigan or to the Alzheimer's Association.