Wayne Vernon Atkinson

Wayne V. Atkinson, 60, of Gillette, WY, went to his heavenly home on April 6, 2020.  Wayne was born November 11, 1959 in Leola, South Dakota to Vernon and Lorretta Atkinson.  He was the oldest of six boys.  The family had relocated to Billings, Montana where he graduated from High School in 1978.  Shortly after graduation he moved to Gillette, Wyoming and went to work in the oilfield for Western Gas Resources. Wayne spent the remainder of his life in Gillette, Wyoming marrying the love of his life, Judy on July 19, 1990.  Judy had two sons from a previous marriage, Lonnie and Eric Groves, which Wayne loved as his own.  Wayne loved fishing any chance he could; day or night, rain or shine. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycles sometimes even in the snow.  He loved tinkering in the garage and using his “Oilfield Ingenuity" to try and fix stuff. He was always a very cheerful and spontaneous person and will be dearly missed by his family. Wayne is survived by his wife, Judy Atkinson; two sons, Lonnie (Noell) Groves of Greeley, CO and Eric (Meleah) Groves of Gillette, WY; 6 grandchildren Aubrie, Ethan, Kali, Allison, Tristan and Laynee;  mother Lorretta Atkinson of Billings, MT; brothers, Todd (Kristie) Atkinson of Billings, MT, Jim (Kaoru) Atkinson of Bremerton, WA ,  Rickey (Andrea) Atkinson of Greeley, CO; and several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father Vernon Atkinson, two brothers Marvin and Edward Atkinson. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5^th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com