Clarence H. Atkins, 72, went to be with his Lord at 7:40 a.m. Jan.16, 2013, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born Feb. 10, 1940, in Keith, W.Va., to Clennie and Marie Secrist Atkins. On July 2, 1960, in Sharon Springs, Kan., he married Erma Peters, who survives. Moving to Warsaw from South Bend 42 years ago, he owned Trading Gate Auto Sales for 25 years and was a member of Riverview Community Church, Tippecanoe. He loved the Lord, was compassionate, loving, giving and caring and had a sense of humor. He was very supportive of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed all forms of racing. He raced as a driver and supported his sons and grandsons as they raced. He enjoyed watching TV and followed Peyton and Eli Manning in their football careers. Also surviving are four daughters: Sandy (and spouse Phil) Grubbs and Renee Atkins, all of Warsaw; Sheila (and spouse Greg) Anderson, Bourbon; Sheri (and spouse Matt) Rapp, Claypool; two sons, Clarence “Bimbo” Atkins Jr. and Kevin (and spouse Krista) Atkins, all of Warsaw; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ron (and spouse Mary) Atkins, Warsaw; and five sisters, Katherine Smith, Granger, and Karen (and spouse Sam) Pyburn, Juanita (and spouse Tom) Myers, Bessie (and spouse Carlton) Fielder and Dolly Blocher, all of Mishawaka. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Adron and Charles Atkins. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, officiated by Pastor Rod Ruberg of Riverview Community Church, Tippecanoe. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to Erma Atkins to defray medical expenses, c/o Titus Funeral Home, P.O. Box 705, Warsaw, IN 46581-0705. Condolences may be sent via www.titusfuneralhome.com
