Tulare County Office of Education

In Memory of Don Atkinson

Don L. Atkinson passed away Sunday, January 19, 2003 at the age of 70 years.

He attended schools in Dinuba, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. After graduating from Dinuba High School in 1950, he attended Reedley College, where he played football. From 1953 to 1957 he served in the U.S. Navy where he was a member of the crash crew unit aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga. He received his bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Fresno State. He later received his master's degree from USC. He taught at schools in Monson-Sultana and Orosi. Don served as superintendent of the Monson-Sultana Joint Union Elementary School District for more than 30 years, retiring in 1993. After his retirement he served as an interim superintendent at Sundale Union Elementary School District, Liberty Elementary School District, and Sequoia Union Elementary School District. In 1996, he was elected to the Tulare County Board of Education, on which he served until his death. He served as its president for two years, as well as serving on several state legislative committees. He also served as treasurer for the Tulare County Education Foundation Board.

Don was a member of the Association of California School Administrators, the Visalia Breakfast Lions and the VFW Dinuba Chapter. Don enjoyed his time spent with his loving family, working out at Lifestyles and attending Fresno State University basketball and football games.

Don is survived by his wife, Beverly; his mother, Rose Decker; four daughters; two sons; and 11 grandchildren.

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