Stephen Michael Atkins

Stephen Michael "Steve" Atkins, age 72, of Tuttle, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in Catoosas, Oklahoma.

Steve was born May 21, 1951 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a son of Frances and Berkley Atkins. He attended school where he was an accomplished trombone player in the marching band graduating from Putnam City High School with the class of 1969.

While playing in the high school band, Steve met, Susan Tomberlin. They began dating their senior year and were married January 27, 1973 at the Putnam City Church of Christ. Steve worked as a driver for Pepsi Co. and Mistletoe Trucking Company He developed a passion for motorcycles and he enjoyed windshield time with Susan on their many road trips. The couple were blessed with two children Aubrie Erin and Berkley James. Steve was a hard worker and provider for his family. While his work as a truck driver kept him away from home, he was at his children's activities every chance he could. Instilling a foundation of faith was very important to Steve, and he insisted the family attend church together weekly.

When Steve retired in 2006, he was ecstatic to purchase a 1974 red Corvette. He loved working with his hands and spent hours fixing up the car and working with wood. Steve made wood plaques, owl planter boxes, door bells, and more as gifts for his family, doctors, and friends. He loved shopping at garage sales where he could find a treasure to re-purpose. Being outdoors working with his hands is where he was happiest.

Steve was a man who was strong in his faith. Through the years, he served in the Church of Christ of Tuttle, Bridgecreek, and Newcastle. He developed a passion for song leading and pursued opportunities to grow in this area. On a motorcycle trip to Maine with a friend, Steve discovered a Church of Christ singing event called "Diana Singing" in a small Tennessee town. He looked forward to this annual event and the friends he made for 10 years. Steve attended Texas Normal Singing School for five years receiving a certificate of completion.

Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years Susan Atkins; daughter Aubrie Abello and husband Andy; son Berkley Atkins and wife Shana; grandchildren Louisa, Olivia, Elijah, Adelynn, Abram, Greta, Georgiana, Hazel, Gideon, Ingrid, Winnifrid and Heber Abello, Aaron and Ellie Meyers and, Jane and Bennett Atkins; twin sister Sue Smithson and husband Bill; brother in law David Tomberlin; sister in law Jeannie Brown and husband Mark; brother in law Joe Tomberlin and wife Sherry; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Frances and Berkley Atkins, infant twin siblings, and sister in law Sherri Tomberlin.