Thomas M. "Tanker" Atkinson, 46, of Millersville, PA, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

He was the husband of Katherine E. Stehman Atkinson, with whom he celebrated 20 loving years of marriage this past May 18th.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Jacqueline Rudy Atkinson of Lancaster and the late Dennis Atkinson, Sr.. Tom graduated from Lampeter Strasburg High School and Lock Haven University. He spent the past 20 years as the Recreation Director at the Lancaster County Prison. After coaching the Conestoga Valley High School Track and Field team for many years, he coached the throwers for Penn Manor High School Track and Field team, including son Ryan.

Tom loved his family and sports and left a lasting impact on those he loved and coached. He coached Ryan and Evan's soccer and basketball teams and his niece's softball team. His favorite teams were the NY Giants, Notre Dame, the Boston Celtics, and the NY Yankees. He enjoyed trout fishing and playing pinochle and washers. His greatest joy above all others was spending time with his wife, his sons, and his family and friends. There are no words to describe how much Tom will be missed.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Tom is survived, in addition to his wife and his mother, by his two sons: Ryan M. and Evan P., his siblings: Debra J. married to Robert Joline, Jr.of Pequea, Dennis L. Jr. married to Gwyn M. Atkinson of Lancaster, Timothy J. Atkinson of Milton, DE, Daniel P. married to Missy Atkinson of Landisville, and Douglas W. married to Jess Atkinson of Harrisburg and by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He is also survived by his in-laws Joseph and Jane Stehman of Willow Street, and his brothers-in-law Keith Stehman of Louisville, KY and Nathan Stehman of Blandon, PA.

Friends will be received on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA from 6-8PM. Friends may call again on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Pike, Lancaster, PA from 9-10AM, with the Mass to follow at 10AM, the Rev Leo Goodman as Celebrant. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Tom's memory to the American Cancer Assn., 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.