Don Atkinson was a former longtime member and volunteer of MCCOGS ATKINSON Donald T. Atkinson, 88, of Columbus, OH, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2010, at the Forest Hills Alzheimer's Center. A retired foreman from North American Rockwell Aviation. Preceded in death by parents Hershey D. Atkinson and Lena Pearl Ayers, twin brother David, and sisters Margie, Virginia, Lucille, and Patty. Survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Helen; daughter, Kay Ball (Dan Flynn) of Lewis Center; son, Tom of Columbus; step-daughter, Lois Marinaro of Rockford, IL; sister, Betty (Johnny) Arnold of St. Albans, WV; grandchildren, nephews and nieces; and many lifelong and dear friends. Donald was a member of the New England Masonic Lodge #4, Snakehunters Conservation Club, League of Ohio Sportsman, American Legion, and VFW. Donald was a member of the 100th bomb group and upper turret gunner on a B-17 airplane during World War II. He survived a crash in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Iceland in 1943. In 1997, Icelandic deep sea fisherman retrieved parts of the airplane from the bottom of the ocean, including the two upper turret guns. The guns were traced to the crew and now, one is displayed in daughter Kay's home. Donald also was an avid hunter and sportsman - forever a Buckeye and Reds fan. Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2010 with Rev. David Roberson officiating, at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington, where friends may call from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, October 1. Burial at Africa Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Forest Hills Center, 2841 E. Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH, 43231. Online condolences to: www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 7125 (20120510) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com