Lester "Pat" Atkinson was born to Stephen and Ida Kendall Atkinson on October 14, 1891 in Morris County, Kansas. He moved with his parents and family to Norton County in 1906 where they finally settled near the Cactus Church west of Logan.

Pat grew to young manhood and on March 18, 1914 he married Miss Ina Boland. First they established their home on a farm northwest of Logan and here their four children were born. More than thirty years ago they moved to Logan and lived in this community since that time working and rearing their family.

Most important in the life of Pat and Ina was their love for their church, its growth and its activities. For many years he has been pastor of the Free Methodist Church whenever they needed his assistance. Both of them were radiantly happy when the Free Methodist Church built the new Faith Chapel and it was dedicated on August 12, 1959.

Besides the church, Pat was interested in people and liked them. He shared their problems, their joys and their sorrows.

Recently after a short illness, he suddenly turned much worse and was taken to the Phillips County Hospital and here he passed away Sunday, February 5, 1967 at the age of 75.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ina, on December 17, 1959, his parents and three sisters. Surviving are the children: Cecil and wife Ruth of Logan; Carol Walther and husband Dale; Lois Atkinson of the home; Clyde and wife Norma of Escondido, CA; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also left to mourn are two sisters, Mary Veh of Logan and Jessie Bozarth of Norton; three brothers: Claude of Almena; John of Florence, CO; and Roger of Pendleton, OR; besides many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday in the Faith Chapel of the Free Methodist Church. Services were conducted by the Rev. J.T. Phle [Pyle, I think] of Macksville, KS assisted by the Rev. Robert Carver of Ottawa, KS. ...Interment was in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.
Logan Republican (Logan, KS) Feb 1967