Matthew Charles Atkinson, age 36, of Columbus, Kansas passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Matthew was born to Charles and Inga (Meyer) Atkinson on October 10, 1988. He married MaryAnn Ross on November 11, 2017, in Chanute, Kansas. He was an active member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. A lifelong farmer, Matthew proudly worked alongside his father and grandfather on the family farm, which has thrived for seven generations. He served as a board member of the Kansas Soybean Association. Matthew and MaryAnn received recognition in 2016 as the Corteva Agri Science Young Leaders. He was a past board member for Farm Bureau, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council, reflecting his commitment to agriculture and his community.
From his early days in 4-H to supporting his children in similar activities, Matthew nurtured a love for farming and community involvement in his family. He was deeply patriotic and enjoyed studying U.S. history and was a gun enthusiast. A proud outdoorsman who loved hunting, he cherished his Quapaw heritage and traditions, incorporating them into his respect for the land and conservation practices. Known for his warm sense of humor, he could always lighten the moment with his smile and a classic dad joke. Above all, Matthew cherished spending time especially with his children, his family and friends, sharing stories, playing games, and building memories that will be treasured forever.
Matthew has been preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Elmer Handley, Nick and Julita Meyer and his Uncle Lloyd Atkinson.
Surviving Matthew are his wife MaryAnn (Ross) Atkinson; sons Lydan and Lincoln, and daughter Gwynevere Atkinson all of the home; parents Charles and Inga Atkinson; sisters Chelsey Rziha (husband Samuel) and Lynette Hofer (husband Timothy) nieces and nephews Kyle and Nicole Rziha, and Jordan, Brantley and Joey Hofer all of Wichita, KS. Paternal grandparents Marion Atkinson of Columbus; Judy Wilkerson (Eric) of Joplin, MO. His in-laws Charlie and Kathy Ross of Chanute. Matthew is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and chosen family.
Funeral services are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus, KS, and will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Scammon, Kansas. The family will receive friends Friday, November 1, 2024 from 5:00-7:30 PM, with Rosary Service to follow at 7:30 PM, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to MaryAnn Atkinson, for a memorial account to be set up that will be used for the benefit of local agriculture, ag scholarships, and sponsorships, so that Matthew’s legacy can continue.