Elmer "Boo" Eugene Atkins

Elmer Eugene Atkins was born August 3, 1947 in South Bend, IN. His mother, Delories Adkins Rowland, and father, Will Townsend, both preceded him in death.

He married Evon Davis Atkins Harris “Cookie Newbill”, then was drafted to the Army shortly after their union.  Story is told that the original spelling of his last name was Adkins.  He changed it to Atkins to avoid being drafted but that it didn’t work. So he kept the name Atkins. He served in the Vietnam War where he worked bomb detail.  He later received an Honorable Discharge as a SP5.  He attended vocational school and earned his automotive mechanic certification.  

In his early years, his close friends called him “Big Hands”.  He was very skillful with his hands.  He could build almost anything and loved to work on cars and motorcycles.  Unfortunately, he would usually break something while fixing something else because of the size of his hands. He also loved to eat. He had a habit of going into someone’s house and heading straight to the refrigerator before he sat down to talk.  He even ate breakfast at Bob Evans every morning.

Elmer was known to most as the first President of Naptown Riders in South Bend.  He was known for his “bad” attitude and his love to race.  He would go against anybody that challenged him.  Naptown Riders were known for throwing some of the best parties around town!  His love for motorcycles and speed were passed down to his children.  

Elmer and Cookie, who preceded him in death, divorced in 1978. He worked for Dallas and Mavis Trucking Company for many years.  He then moved to Indianapolis in the 80's where he later retired from Stone and Rhodes Trucking Company. His nickname was changed to Moe when he moved to Indianapolis. He loved dogs.  His faithful German Shepherd, Max was by his side to the very end.

Although he was known for his sternness, he did have a gentle side.  He was known to help those in need and would give a person his last. He fussed many times because he was not given grandchildren but his love for family was the reason he was “Uncle Boo” to children he encountered throughout his life. Although he never remarried, his last 15 years was spent with his special friend, Tasha Wilson.

Elmer is survived by his daughter and son, Elvonna and Elquebi Atkins, both of South Bend, IN; brothers, Lester Townsend and Harold Benion, both of South Bend, IN, and sister, Lyn Hughes of South Bend, IN.  Elmer’s son, Kendall Atkins Tarvin preceded him in death. Elmer had many brothers and sisters who proceeded him death.  Will Townsend had many children.

Being that he comes from two very large families, he has a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunties and cousins that will miss him dearly!

Funeral service for Mr. Elmer Atkins will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home - West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may call on the family for visitation for one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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