Atkinson, D. Olin
Obituary
Daniel Olin Atkinson, 82, of Dallas, previously of Midland and Houston, passed from this life to the next on Sunday, September 14th. His parents, Lanham and Ivy Lane Atkinson welcomed him into the world on June 13, 1932.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary; his son, Scott and wife Sherry of Dallas and his daughter, Judi and husband Kevin Latt of the Saranac Lake area, New York. He is also survived by his brother Lanham and wife Mabel of Hurst; his sister Linda and husband Marion Scott of Denton; his sister Marilyn and husband Larry Ivy of Fort Worth and his sister-in-law Sue Wilson of Dickinson. Olin is also survived by four grandchildren: grandson Chris and wife, Kelley of Coppell; granddaughter Laura and husband Travis Roye of Austin; granddaughters Sarah of Orlando, Florida and Jessica of Buffalo, New York. Olin is further survived by four great-grandchildren: Zachary and Henry of Coppell and Sawyer and Abigail of Austin. Olin is also survived by nine nephews, three nieces, their spouses and children.
Olin was born in Amarillo and raised in Fort Worth, graduating from Paschal High. He earned his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering in 1954 and his master’s degree the following year at Texas A&M. Olin was a member of the Ross Volunteers and in the Air Force ROTC while an undergraduate. Upon receiving his graduate degree, he began his career with Magnolia Petroleum Company and Mobil Oil Corporation, retiring in Dallas in 1988 after 33 years. Olin has been an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers International and the Dallas Petroleum Engineers Club.
While in grad school, Olin met Mary Beth Smith of Bryan. Olin and Mary were married in 1956 and they joined together on their life journey, managing the family’s moves with great love, following Olin’s work through many oil field towns including Duncan, Drayton Valley and Dallas; Calgary and Corpus Christi; New Orleans and New York and overseas in Lagos. They returned to the States in 1982 to Houston, moved to Midland in 1985 and back to Dallas in 1987. In 2009, Olin and Mary made their final move to the community of Highland Springs in Dallas. They have further enlarged their circle of friends there.
Olin and Mary are devout Anglicans and are active members of The Church of the Holy Communion. Prior to joining Holy Communion, they were members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Olin and Mary traveled extensively before retirement and have continued to do so in retirement, most recently returning from a long-anticipated trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Music lovers, Olin and Mary frequently attended concerts of the Dallas Symphony. Olin enjoyed fishing and bird hunting when time and location allowed and, while living in Alberta, took up downhill skiing with his family and was a member of a curling team. Olin was an avid amateur astronomer and member of the Texas Astronomical Society. Dark skies drew Olin and Mary to the Big Bend and Fort Davis frequently. In retirement, Olin also worked with several charities including North Dallas Shared Ministries.
Olin was constantly active in his children’s many undertakings while they were growing up, including ballet recitals, music lessons, scouting activities, science fair projects, church youth groups and frequent discussions on the importance of homework.
Olin’s intelligence, wit, wisdom, generosity, grace and great love will be missed by his wife, Mary, his children, Scott and Judi, his extensive family and by his and Mary’s large circle of friends. We all know he has been welcomed into heaven as one of our Lord’s most faithful servants!
Memorials: in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to The Church of the Holy Communion (holycommuniondallas.org) or to North Dallas Shared Ministries (ndsm.org).
The memorial service and reception to follow, celebrating Olin’s life, will be at The Church of the Holy Communion, Dallas, on September 27 at 2:00 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of:
ARIA Cremation Service & Funeral Home
19310 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75252
214) 306-6700
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Having lived in the Prestonwood West neighborhood for 22 years, Olin was very active in the community. He became a charter member of the homeowners association Board of Directors when the association was formed in 1991. He served as a two-term president of the HOA from 1992 thru 1995 and he continued his close association as a board member until moving from the neighborhood in 2009. Olin’s leadership paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps making Prestonwood West a wonderful place to live. Those of us who worked closely with Olin over the years join many others who are deeply saddened by his passing and know he is comforting everyone around him in heaven.
So sorry about the loss of your loved one. May the God of comfort, comfort the family during this time (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).
Mary, We are so very sorry to hear about Olin. You made such a great pair and are two of the nicest people we know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and know your faith and memories will help ease your pain.
Dear Mary and family,
Olin was a prince of a fellow and a great, much appreciated friend. We will all greatly miss him. Please receive our sincere condolences.
Those memories of New Orleans are so vivid, not only the fun times but making all the window covers for Camille. He was a prince. We are thinking of you.