Kent Atkinson
October 31, 1936 ~ March 26, 2020
Memorial can be directed to the First Baptist Church in Miller or the Highmore Health in Highmore.
Kent Atkinson, 83, of Highmore, passed away March 26, 2020 at Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller.
Due to the current threat of the Covid-19 pandemic, immediate family gathered for a private funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Miller. Burial followed at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blunt.
Kent Atkinson was born October 31, 1936 in Havana, Kansas to John and Josephine (Lovelace) Atkinson. He attended school in many different states including Texas, Kansas, and Kentucky. During his senior year at Clinton High School he met the love of his life, Jacque Corley, accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and gave his first sermon at a youth Sunday. He graduated from high school in 1954. He and Jacque were married on June 8, 1957 and spent 62 wonderful years together.
Kent served in the army then worked in the St. Louis area before surrendering to the call to the ministry. He graduated from Mid-Western Baptist Theological Seminary and pastored churches in Camden Point, MO; Bernie, MO; Pierre, SD; and Blunt, SD. While he was a pastor in Pierre and Blunt, Bro. Kent worked as a chaplain at St. Mary’s hospital. Jacque and Kent retired to Miller in 2000. During his retirement he was interim pastor at numerous churches in North and South Dakota including First Baptist Church in Miller.
Kent loved golf, cribbage, the St. Louis Cardinals, and watching his grandkids activities. His faith in and love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ were an example to his family, his congregations, and those he came in contact with. He loved to talk to people and touched the lives of many.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jacque; two daughters: Martha (Jeff) Patzlaff, Platte, and Suzanne (Dwight) Husted, Harrold; two daughters-in-law: Josie Atkinson, St. Louis, MO, and Susan Atkinson, Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren: Jessica Portell Atkinson, Abby Atkinson (Caleb Maftei), John Patzlaff, Amber Patzlaff, Ben Patzlaff and fiancée Sydney Kolb, Zeb (Abby) Husted, Tate Husted, Jett Husted, and Rachel Husted; great-grandchildren: Angelina, Nico, Ava Portell, and Iris Mae Husted; great-great grandchild, Dakota; sister-in-law, Nita Atkinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kent was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Sarah Lynn; sons: Bryan Atkinson and Jeff (Woody) Atkinson; parents: John and Josephine Atkinson; parents-in-law: WT and Mildred Corley; and brothers: Basil, Johnny, and Bill Atkinson.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Kent’s arrangements.
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Kent's family: I am so sorry to hear of Kent's passing. He was a very kind, caring man, and he gave so much of his time to others. I remember him coming to Missouri Valley nursing home in Pierre, and how much the residents looked forward to him coming. He gave so much to the Miller community after moving there. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers, and in my Dad's (Ron Blachford) thoughts and prayers also.
Sorry to hear this….but I know he is enjoying his new home immensely. Blessings and prayers for comfort to the family. God bless.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Kent and I had many great conversations when he came to pay taxes or renew his vehicle registrations. I will miss him.
Jacque and family, sincere condolences on your loss. I always enjoyed helping Kent at the library–I appreciated his humor and gentlemanly ways. He was such a positive influence in our community, and I feel blessed for having known him. May God Bless.
Ms Jacque you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts during the rough days ahead. I have so many fond memories of our time at the church in Pierre when my children were little and at a time they needed that a godly pastor that cared for them. I know that Heaven is having one heck of a celebration. Much love. Terri.
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. I can't begin to let you know how much Kent and Jacque have meant to me and ministered to me.
My sincere sympathy to all. I will certainly miss my visits with him and Jacque at the Home.
Jacque and family,
This was such a shock to hear. There are some people in the world that you just feel are an unstoppable force and will always be there. Pastor Kent is certainly one of those people. You two mean so much to our family and meant the world to my Grandparents through Kent's ministry and both of your friendships. He will be dearly, dearly missed. May the Lord give you, your family, and all of us that Kent meant so much to, strength during this time.
Love,
Tony Bevers and family
Kent was an amazing father-in-law and a wonderful grandpa. He will be greatly missed! He was always such a kind and caring man. He was a great example to others. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to Jacque and the entire family. Love, Susan and Abby
Kent was an amazing father-in-law and a wonderful grandpa. He will be so dearly missed! He was such a kind and caring man who set a great example for others. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to Jacque and the entire family! Love, Susan and Abby
Kent will be missed. The Atkinson family means more to us than I could possibly express.
Ms. Jacque, sending you hugs and prayers. You and Mr. Kent have touched so many hearts all over the Dakotas. We love you, and will be praying for you and your family. Chip, Karen and Della Holmes
My condolences to Jacque, Martha and family and Suzanne and family. My prayer for you is that God bless and strengthen you with His comfort and peace as you move forward without Kent.
Prayers and hugs, Dixie
My sincere sympathy to the family of Kent Atkinson.
Our condolences to the Atkinson family. We enjoyed fellowship with Kent through the ministerial association in Miller.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Atkinson family. Your former pastorate at Capitol Heights Baptist, Pierre.
Truly a man who will be missed by many! Sending positive thoughts and prayer to the family and friends of Kent.
We have many fond memories of working and fellowshipping with Kent, while serving the Lord in the Dakotas. Sending love and prayers to the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
This is so shocking to read. I have known Brother Kent and Jacque since I was a young kid in Blunt. Got to enjoy their company and numerous sermons of his at Calvary Baptist Church. He was a very kind, amazing, humble, happy guy. He was always warm and cheerful. The last time I had the pleasure of visiting with him was 9 years ago in Pierre. I am so truly sorry he’s no longer with us. He will be forever remembered and terribly missed. He was a wonderful pastor and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jacque. During this difficult time, I am thinking of you all. Sending you love from Colorado.
My heart breaks for you as you go through this time of loss. Bro Kent was an exceptional preacher, pastor and friend. Anyone who was blessed to know him loved him. I am praying for God's strength and comfort for you in the days ahead. Love and hugs to you all, Mary
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
What a great man that I am proud to call my uncle. Our recent meeting with Kent and Jacque in South Dakota was such a blessing to Jan and I. You could see Christ shining through in him. A Godly man who's fruits bear that witness. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time. Phil and Jan
Mom Atkinson, Suzanne, Martha and families. I am so very sorry for your loss. Every time I think of Dad #2 my heart smiles. He was so beautiful in every way and he shared that with everyone he knew. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you always.
Know he immediately heard the words “Well done my true and faithful servant”. I never looked at a picture of Uncle Kent that I didn’t think of Grammie. He was his Mother’s son in many ways. He touched many lives both with his words and actions. Hugs to Jacque, daughters, and grandchildren. What an example he left for them.