Claude E. Atkins

CLAUDE E. ATKINS VISALIA – Claude E. Atkins, 86, passed away on April, 23, 2016 at his home surrounded by family. He was born May 15, 1929 in Grapevine, Denton County, Texas to Melvin and Manota (Garvin) Atkins. Claude attended Visalia High School and College of the Sequoias. He went into the Army Air Corps at sixteen years of age in 1945 – 1947. In 1948 he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served until 1952. He served aboard the USS Burton Island, which was an Ice Breaker Ship which allowed Cargo Ship passage to Alaska and Siberia, in the Bering Straits, Goose Bay Labrador and Unimak Pass Alaska. While in Port in Long Beach, a friend of his, Bobo Bethel, from North Fork, California, introduced Claude to Gloria Betrue, a childhood friend of Bobo’s, in Monterey Park, California. Through that relationship, and while still serving in the Navy, Claude and Gloria were married on November 18, 1949 in Monterey Park, California. They celebrated 67 years of Marriage. Claude was a General Building Contractor, who started building homes in the Visalia area, in the ‘50’s with his Father and Brothers. In the ‘60’s, he started GAD’s Construction Company, with Jim Gentry, Claude Atkins, and Jack Downes, all of which were from Visalia, CA. In 1965, Claude went into business for himself, starting Claude E. Atkins Enterprises, Inc. and began building Hyatt Hotels & Restaurants throughout the State of California. Claude also built the Radisson Hotel in downtown Visalia in 1990. In the ‘80’s, 90’s and up until 2001, Claude’s company built Schools and primarily Department of Defense construction contracts for the US Military, throughout California, Nevada & Arizona. In 1994, Claude started Farming Citrus and Walnuts and enjoyed it until his passing. Claude enjoyed Golfing and Fishing and was a member of the Visalia Country Club, Visalia Elks Lodge, Visalia Builder’s Exchange, and Visalia Moose Lodge. Claude was predeceased in death by his parents Melvin & Manota Atkins, his infant twin Sister Evelyn. Survivors include: Wife Gloria Atkins, Visalia; Daughter Claudia Atkins, Visalia; Sons: Joel & Cheryl Atkins, Exeter; Terry & Shirley Atkins, Exeter; Grandchildren: Gloria Bowen, Visalia; Claudia & Casey Gretlein, Nipomo; Shane & Reem Atkins, Visalia; Claude & Katrina Atkins, Visalia; Mark & Michelle Atkins, Exeter; Julie Hutcheson, Visalia; Tara & Adam Fehr, Visalia; and Fifteen Great Grandchildren. Brothers: Wayne (Marilyn) Atkins, Visalia; Dale (Janice) Atkins, Exeter; Sisters: Barbara Hemingway, Visalia and Betty Casares, Visalia. Numerous Nieces and Nephews. Private Service & Burial. Celebration of Life at the Visalia Country Club, on Thursday April, 28, 2016, from 11:00am – 1:00pm, for close friends and family. In lieu of Flowers, the family requests that Donations be made to: Sequoia Oncology Medical Associates Foundation for Claude E. Atkins 4945 W. Cypress Avenue, Suite C Visalia, CA  93277   Kaweah Delta Hospice 900 W. Oak Avenue Visalia, CA  93291   Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel, Visalia is honored to be serving the Atkins family.    He Only Takes The BestGod saw he was getting tiredAnd a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around himAnd whispered "come with me" With tear filled eyes we watched himSuffer and fade awayAlthough we loved him deeplyWe could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to usHe only takes the Best.