Michael “Mike” or “Doc” Joe Atkinson

May 13, 1956 – October 5, 2023

Mike completed his 67-year journey on Earth peacefully and surrounded by family in his Oakland City home, his body suddenly ravaged by small cell carcinoma but his heart full of faith, courage, and love.

The fourth of four boys (Rick, Dave, and Bill) born to John and Edna Atkinson of Gas City, IN, he was raised in a family that loved family, baseball, their community, and God. Mike particularly loved the created world and the joy of learning, studying at IU then researching salamanders until he attained a doctorate of Education in Biology from Ball State University. This led to more than three decades as a professor at Oakland City University, where he cultivated like passion in many students via lecture, lab, Biology Club, and trips to state parks and conservation areas.

Mike loved Jesus Christ and that love overflowed to his family for whom he poured out his life and attentively cared. He met his wife, Peggy, in 1979 and married her two years later. Together, they raised six children: Benjamin, Mary, Jonathan, Grace, Staci, and Daniel, educating them at home and at the university. Despite a perpetually heavy academic load, Mike made the time to connect with his children through many activities such as Boy Scouts, sports, Enviro-thons, and endless trailside lectures during camping trips. He adored becoming Grandpa MEGS (“Most Excellent Grandfather, Sir”) to 17 grandchildren, known as a storyteller, educator, prankster and playmate. He was a consistent face at ball games, talent shows, recitals, grandparents’ days, and graduations.

It was Mike’s confidence in Christ that sourced his incredibly generous spirit. He welcomed his sons and daughters into his classroom, but also welcomed students and colleagues into his family. His united loves for the Creator, creation, and people have extended abundant life to all who knew him, and he leaves a clear trail of humility, humor, and hunger for wisdom for each of us to follow.

PLEASE BE INFORMED before you arrive for services:

Dad, ever giving of himself to serve others and advance education in the sciences and medical field, had long planned to donate his body to IU School of Medicine. He was grateful to be accepted into their program and his body was transported to Indianapolis on Thursday evening. It was his wish to provide one last anatomy lesson. 

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