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Paul Emery Atkinson

October 26, 1938 –
 January 20, 2022

Obituary

Paul Emery Atkinson passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on January 20th, 2022 at the age of 83. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the discomfort, Paul came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.   Paul was born in Dallas, Texas on October 26th, 1938. He was the firstborn of Bud and LaFrance Atkinson. He attended school in the Park Cities, where he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958. From there, he attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) and the University of Colorado. Sports were very important in Paul’s life.  He played football in high school and college, enjoyed coaching, and participating directly in sports like soccer throughout his life. He made his way back to Dallas and married Yolanda Bautista in 1964.   Paul was a career salesman and worked for companies that included Xerox, Siemens, Inwood Business Machines and The Planet.com where he developed lifelong friendships. Paul was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan.  He loved going to the games and watching them play every Sunday.  He had a deep love for photography he won several awards for his photos. His favorite was shooting his grandchildren’s sporting games on the weekends.    Paul was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Yolanda, sister Sara Blocker, son Paul M. Atkinson, wife Cathy, daughter Melissa Dours, husband Gene and son David C. Atkinson, wife Tuesday. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who he considered “his pride and joy’. Morgan Allen, husband Carl, Mitchell Dours, Avery Atkinson, and Claire and Abigail Atkinson.  His love for his family was clearly visible.    Friends and family are cordially invited to attend the recitation of the Holy Rosary which will commence Monday, February 7th 10:30AM at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church.  A Mass of Christian Burial is to follow the Rosary at 11:00AM.    In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Paul’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

    Georgia Clarke Youngs
    28 Jan 2022
    10:48am

    I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Atkinson. The many childhood memories of the Atkinson home are some of my very favorites. I will remember him as the handsome, funny, and strong patriarch of the beautiful Atkinson family. My love and deepest condolences to Yolanda, Missy, David, Paul, and to all that loved him.

    Heather Knittig
    31 Jan 2022
    2:39pm

    Tim and I are so sorry for you loss. He was a wonderful man. I know how much he loved you all.

    Coach Adrain Hayes
    31 Jan 2022
    7:45pm

    He was always there for the kids i’m going to miss that man. He had so much wisdom he passed on to me. He would always say hay BIG MAN stay true to the kids that you coach they will never for get you.
    Love Paul (RIP)

    Cynthia Lee
    1 Feb 2022
    7:14am

    Missy, I’m so sorry for your loss of your father. He sounds like a wonderful man. In sympathy, Cynthia Lee

    Dirk Baumann
    2 Feb 2022
    12:37pm

    The quality of Pauls personality shined brightest when he displayed his love and caring for his family and friends.
    Character, caring and love are within a person and it showed every time you were in Paul’s presence.
    We were so fortunate to have known him.
    Anne,Mark and Dirk Baumann

    Jeni on behalf of The Logan Family
    27 Feb 2022
    3:08am

    Paul was so cool. I remember how he was devoted to family and country above all else. I loved seeing him at my mom’s best friend, Connie’s, funeral because he was like Batman, the original. He absolutely showed up no matter how he felt. I am so grateful I got to see him that day. What a family. I love you all. Yolanda, you are an angel on earth.

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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
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The Peterson Family
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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