Vondel L. Smith Mortuary @ South Lakes 4000 S.W. 119th Oklahoma City, OK 73173

There will be no viewing or visitation

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Henderson Hills Baptist Church Mission’s programs.

Services 2:00 PM Friday, November 3, 2017 at Western Hills Church 401 SW 44th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109

Joseph Wendell Atkinson, 63, died at home surrounded by family on October 30th, 2017. Joseph was born in Topeka, Kansas on January 26, 1954, to Gretta Louise and William Joseph Atkinson. He grew up in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Joseph attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO. He graduated from Midwest City High School, and attended Rose State College and Oklahoma City University. Joseph had a tumultuous adolescence. His father died when he was 13. He was a rebellious teenager. When he was kicked out of military school, he hitchhiked across the country, living on the street. His mom left a copy of the New Testament at his bedside when he returned, and his life was changed when he accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God lead wonderful mentors into his life, helping to mold and shape him into the man he was. Joseph obtained his real estate broker’s license in 1975 when he was 21. He formed his first company in 1978. He was the CEO of North Star Companies, LLC, which owns energy and real estate investments. He was grateful for the many influential personal and business mentors along his path. Joseph loved his family deeply, travelling the world with his wife, collecting and sharing wine, coffee, photography, and Thunder basketball.

He is preceded in death by his father William Atkinson & his mother Gretta Atkinson,
Brother Steven Atkinson,
& his sister Leslie Atkinson.

Joseph is survived by his wife Claudia Atkinson;
Daughter, Keri Atkinson and her children: Isaiah and Rubye Atkinson;
Daughter, Kristi Rath and her husband, Daniel and their children: Hannah, Piper and Jackson Rath;
Daughter, Tara Bermudez and her husband, Carlos and their children: Nicolas, Asher and Bella Bermudez,
Son, Joshua Atkinson and his wife, Tanessa and their children: Olivia and Alexander Atkinson;
Siblings: WP “Bill” Atkinson II, David Atkinson, Daniel Atkinson, Mary Lierman, James Atkinson and Sarah Church;
Many loved nephews and nieces and other family members.

Affiliations

Rotary Club