Condolence: So sorry for your lost. Prayers for the family.

Condolence: The Atkins Family: So sorry to hear of Tom's passing, since your family has been a part of ours for so many years, we're losing a very special friend. Tom was always teasing me that he was younger than me, seeing his birth date I have to agree. Tom and Sasha were such a great part of my mother's life (Wanda Ross when she lived in Joplin and they were such a great support for her after Swede's passing. Dustin was very special to my mom, she loved him dearly. Whenever my son, Eric, and I visited during the summer, the Atkins Family were always a part of that visit. Sasha, I am truly sorry for your loss of such a wonderful husband and father. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all--Sharon and Eric

Condolence: DEEPEST SYMPATHY, AND MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO SASHA, THE ENTIRE ATKINS FAMILY, AND ALL OF TOM'S MANY FRIENDS. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO SOLDIER WITH TOM, AS MEMBERS OF THE 107TH SIGNAL COMPANY, IN VIETNAM, DURING 1968-1969. DUE TO OUR COMMON ASSIGNMENTS, I GOT TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM, ON A DAILY BASIS. TOM WAS QUIET AND UNASSUMING, WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR, AND A SPARKLING WIT. HE WAS AN EXCELLENT SOLDIER, VERY HONEST, TRUSTWORTHY AND RELIABLE. BENEATH THAT EXTERIOR, HE WAS A TOUGH GUY, WHO COULD BE COUNTED ON. HE WAS VERY WELL THOUGHT OF, BY ALL OF US WHO KNEW HIM...... THE WORD IS, THAT HE WAS LOOKING FOWARD TO TRAVELING TO RI, IN 2018, TO ATTEND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 107TH'S DEPLOYMENT TO VIETNAM, IF HIS HEALTH PERMITTED. AS WE ALL KNOW, OUR SUPREME COMMANDER HAD ANOTHER PLAN, FOR OUR BROTHER TOM. THE VALIANT BATTLE HE WAGED, AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF AGENT ORANGE, THE DEADLY HERBICIDE THAT WE WERE EXPOSED TO IN VIETNAM, IS FINALLY OVER. THE WORLD WILL BE A DARKER PLACE WITHOUT OUR BROTHER TOM. MAY HE REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.....