Alvin J. Atkins of Sandown, NH, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Colonial Poplin Nursing /Rehabilitation Facility in Fremont, NH. Alvin was born on May 26, 1922 in Odd, WV, to Hampton Lacy Atkins and Eva Mae (Hungate) Atkins. He attended Stoco High School in Lego, WV.
He was married for 74 years to the love of his life, the late Lorene (Burke) Atkins. He is survived by his daughter and spouses; Diann (Mark) Gindlesperger of East Kingston, NH; his sons, A. Ronnie Atkins of Barnstead NH, and James (Karen) Atkins of Barrington, NH. He leaves four grandchildren: Aaron (Amanda) Atkins; Austin Atkins and Arielle (Addison) Kim; Nicole (Adam) Navarro. Three great grandchildren: Jaxson, Whitney and Carlyle "Lyle"; as well as nieces and nephews.
He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII in the South Pacific on B24 bombers and later on the island of Okinawa, at the end of the war. After the war he worked as an electrician in the West Virginia coal mines. While back in WV he acquired the desire to fly and was able to fulfill his dreams of flying by first becoming an Airline Mechanic with Eastern Airlines. He was employed by Eastern Airlines for 29 years, working his way up eventually, to pilot, then Captain flying the Lockheed Constellation, Electra Prop Jet then onto the Boeing 727. Some of his accomplishments with Eastern was the honor to fly the Press plane on several trips during The Eisenhower Administration. He also participated in The Cuban Airlift to bring Cuban families to freedom to the USA in Miami. And lastly, having fun by flying the Boston College Football Team to their away games and getting to know Doug Flutie, and enjoying the sidelines passes.
Alvin's hobbies included hunting, fishing and gardening, having an enormous vegetable garden which he and Lorene so enjoyed. He spent hours cultivating his garden. He loved spending time at his cabin in Pittsburg, NH, with Lorene and family and where he spent many years hunting with his sons and friends.
Alvin was a member of the Sandown Lions Club and 60 Plus Club for many years. Alvin was loved by all for his great sense of humor. He was a great storyteller, as well, and was well versed on World Events. He loved chatting with everyone, anywhere he went.
There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 27th at 1:00pm in the Center Cemetery in Sandown. The location is directly behind the Sandown Public Library (Use the Library's address) which is 305 Main St., Sandown NH. A Celebration of Life for both Alvin and Lorene will be held in the early summer 2024. It will be at their Homestead in Sandown.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Colonial Poplin Nursing/ Rehabilitation Facility, 442 Main Street, Fremont, NH 03044. Memo must include, " In Memory of Alvin J. Atkins", or to The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203, or at https://preserve.nature.org. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH is assisting the family with arrangements.