Rick Atkinson, 73, Gas City

Baseball and Gas City will not be the same since Rick Atkinson “Coach A” left this world on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at the age of 73 after a tough battle with cancer.

Rick loved the game of baseball from a young age and never got tired of playing, coaching, or watching the game. His other great love was his family, whether having family drop in and stay awhile, listening to the chatter and laughter of his grandchildren, or attending their activities.

Born in Marion, Indiana, to John R. and Edna (McCollum) Atkinson, Rick was the oldest of four boys. He graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1965 and married his high school sweetheart, Sondra Lee in 1967, she survives. Rick played baseball for Taylor University and Greenville College, where he led the nation in home run averages. Rick went on to play third base with the Atlanta Braves minor league organization in 1969.

When he returned home to Grant County, Rick taught and coached football and wrestling at Eastbrook High School before returning to Mississinewa High School as wrestling coach (2 years), baseball coach (20 years), and Athletic Director (24 years). He has been an assistant Taylor baseball coach for 18 years.

Rick has been a member of the Indiana Baseball Coaches Association, Indiana Athletic Director’s Association, coach and organizer of the Indiana North/South All Stars, Little League Baseball Camp Director, and coached the Anderson Lawmen and Dubois County Dragons – independent professional baseball league teams. He was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, the Grant County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Taylor University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. Rick previously served as the President for the Grant County Sports Hall of Fame. He was a member of College Wesleyan Church and his expression of faith touched the lives of many.

In addition to his wife, Rick is survived by three children, Molly (Mark) Storey, Gas City; Abby (Bill Corey) Atkinson, Gas City; Adam (Katherine) Atkinson, Muncie. Eight grandchildren: Ava, Suzanne, and Heidi Storey; Ty and Sophie Corey; and John, Luke, and Sam Atkinson. His mother, Edna Atkinson. Three brothers: Dave (Jo Lynne) Atkinson; Bill (Donna) Atkinson; Dr. Mike (Peggy) Atkinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, John R. Atkinson.

The family will receive visitors from 3 to 7 pm on Monday, March 1, 2021, at College Wesleyan Church 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953.

A service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held at the church on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 11 am with Pastor Mick Simpkins and Rev. Alex Mandura officiating. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park.

The funeral service will be streamed at live.collegewes.com.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Taylor University Baseball in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham Storey Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN 46933.

Memories may be shared at www.nswcares.com.