Willard Atkinson

Willard Marcus Atkinson, 86, passed away July 24, 2009 at Hillcrest Haven care center of natural causes. Willard was born the 3rd of 5 children to John and Catherine Miller Atkinson on July 20, 1923 in Phoenix Arizona. He was a member of a family with three brothers and a sister and moved to Pocatello as a young boy. He attended Pocatello High School and graduated in 1940. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the US Army with all four of his brothers, all of which returned from the war. Willard served in the European Theatre and fought with General Patton. He was awarded a purple heart and a Bronze Star for his heroism. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned home on a train where he met his future wife at the Railroad Caf