William T. Atkins, 82, of Hilltown Township, passed away suddenly early Thursday morning, March 20, 2008, at his residence. He was the husband of Diana (Cooper) Atkins for 57 years.

Born in New London, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Ralph E. and Mae (Hayden) Atkins.

A World War II Air Force veteran, Mr. Atkins served as a bombardier and navigator in the North African Theater. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He also later served stateside during the Korean War.

He was employed as a production coordinator for Safeguard Business Systems, Lansdale for 15 years, retiring in 1985. Prior to that, he had worked on the first atomic submarine, the U.S. S. Nautilus, in New London.

Mr. Atkins was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5308, Telford. He enjoyed building model airplanes and collecting World War II mementos. He most loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four daughters: Jeanne Grater and her husband, Douglas, Harleysville; Nancy Earnshaw and her husband, Neil, Long Beach, California; Susan Simon and her husband, Richard, Pennsburg; and Amy MacArthur, Perkasie; four grandchildren: John and Diana Grater, Harleysville; William Moyer and Andrea Simon, Pennsburg; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters.

Services will be conducted on Tuesday afternoon, March 25 at 1:000 PM at the Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, 87 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12:00 PM until time of service. Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Ridge Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Atkins’ name may be made to the North Penn VNA- Souderton Adult Day Services, 51 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446.

To send flowers to the family of William T. Atkins, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.