SALEM - Charles W. Atkinson, 84, formerly of Salem, died Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Twin Oaks Care and Rehabilitation Center in Danvers.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late C. Elwood and Hazel G. (Hall) Atkinson.
At the age of 18, Charles enlisted in the United States Army. He served during WWII, Korean and the Vietnam Era. as a medical technician. During his tour of duty in Vietnam he was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service against hostile forces. He retired as a Staff Sergeant in 1971 with over 21 years of service to his country.
Mr. Atkinson was a member of the First Baptist Church in Salem. A life member of the of the D.A.V., Chapter 84 in Salem, he served as Post Commander from 1981-82.
Charles is survived by several cousins, including Dorothy Kehoe of Ossipee, NH, Richard Brown of Satsuma, FL, Donna Roberts of Danvers and Kathleen Mitchell of Peabody. He was the brother of the late Frederick W. Atkinson and was predeceased by several cousins, including Louise Hanscom.
His funeral service will be held Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12 pm at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. A visitation will be held on Monday, prior to the service, from 11 am to noon. Burial is in the Chapel Hill veterans section in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to: Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing (www.DAV.org) For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.