Jon Atkins, 37

Jon Christopher Atkins, age 37, of El Paso, Texas and a former Sturgis resident, passed away Monday, August 17, 2020 at his home.
He was born November 12, 1982 in Sturgis, son of Jerry and Kathy (Morrison) Atkins.
Jon graduated from Sturgis High School in 2001. He attended Westwood College in Chicago, before joining the army in November 2002. Jon started his military career in artillery to later become an AH-64 Apache pilot. He completed his five deployment, 15 year career as a CW3 instructor pilot.
Jon is survived by his devoted wife, Madeleine, unborn son, Jon Christopher Atkins, Jr., sons Brayden and Brycen, both of North Carolina; parents Jerry Atkins and Kathy (Kevin) Gillette, sisters Erin (Chad) Mobley, Kourtney (Cary) Matuschka, brother Kevin (Lindsey) Gillette II, grandmother Aileen Morrison. Also nephews Austin and Alex, nieces Alexis, Alicia, and Amaryllis.
Jon was preceded in death by grandparents Richard Morrison, Claude Sr. and Dorotha Atkins, uncles Curtis Morrison and William Gary Atkins and niece Tatiana Atkins.
Jon was a devoted father to his two sons and he anxiously awaited the arrival of his third child. He was a loving husband, a ray of light to those in need and a child at heart who searched for a smile. Jon loved his military family and missed them very much!
Jon’s wishes included organ donation and cremation. Sunset Funeral Homes, El Paso, Texas took care of arrangements.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate and honor Jon’s life will begin at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Camp Fort Hill, 21710 N. Everson Drive, Sturgis. Lifelong friend of Jon’s, Pastor Ryan Bibb of the Radiant Life Church in Sturgis will offer a prayer. Military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW.
Military burial will take place at a later date.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Jon’s memory please consider Jon’s family, c/o Kathy Gillette 1209 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or charity of one’s choice.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is assisting the family with local arrangements.