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Author: chastain
15

Bradley Gene AtkinsonPassing: February 9, 2026

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Sunday, February 15th @ 2:00pm

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Sunday, February 15th @ 12:00pm-2:00pm

Cemetery:

No Burial

MITCHELL – Bradley Gene Atkinson, 83, passed away peacefully Monday, February 9, 2026, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana.

Born October 20, 1942, in Paoli, he was the son of Gene Alfred and Betty June (Mayden) Atkinson.  He married Cheryl Lynn Nolen on March 21, 1964 and she preceded him in death November 10, 2017.

Brad was a 1960 graduate of Mitchell High School.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in 1965 and his master’s degree from Indiana University as a specialist of education in 1979.   Brad began his career teaching at Hanover High School, before working as a case manager and legislative liaison for the Indiana Department of Welfare.  From 1974-1979 he was assistant principal at Burris Junior High School, then from 1979-1990 he was assistant principal at Edinburg Middle School.  He was principal of Centerville-Abington Junior High School from 1991 until his retirement in 2003.  Brad enjoyed fishing, golfing, debating, and telling stories – especially with a good martini.  He was of the Christian faith and attended the Mitchell Presbyterian Church. 

Surviving are his children, Jason Scott Atkinson of Memphis, Tennessee and James Gene “Chigger” (Lisa) Atkinson of Centerville; grandchildren, Charlene Cheryl Atkinson and Dustin Georg Atkinson, both of Oberasbach, Germany; great-grandchild, Ryan Atkinson of Oberasbach, Germany; siblings, Patricia Ray (Monte Rager) Atkinson of Orleans, Amy Lynn (Rob) Parker of Mitchell, and Charlotte Rose (Buddy) Atkinson-Kirkman of Bedford; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his dear companion, Lynnette Hamilton of Mitchell.

His parents; wife; siblings, Jerry Wayne Atkinson and Eric Lee Atkinson; and brothers-in-law, Tim Nolen and Richard Nolen, preceded him in death.

Brad is remembered as a wonderful friend to all and will be dearly missed.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Reverend Herb W. Coates officiating. Cremation will follow.

Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial Donations:  White River Humane Society

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15 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Zachary Cowins | Fairmont, NE
    Date: February 15, 2026
    He will be missed.
  2. Guest: Judi Parr | Seymour, In
    Date: February 13, 2026
    Pat, Sorry to hear of Brad's passing. Prayers and comfort to you and your family.
  3. Guest: Chris Clouse | Bloomington, IN
    Date: February 12, 2026
    Sorry to hear of Brad's passing. Prayers for peace and comfort to all the family.
  4. Guest: Dana Dunbar | MITCHELL
    Date: February 12, 2026
    My deepest sympathies to the Atkinson family. I have enjoyed and valued nearly an entire lifetime relationship with the family. Beginning with Gene and Betty and most of the siblings thereafter. I met and spent time with Brad later in life but appreciated our time together So sorry for your loss.
  5. Guest: Mike and Rita Ramey | Bedford, IN
    Date: February 12, 2026
    Thoughts and prayers with Pat and family Mike and Rita Ramey
  6. Guest: Brian Ingels | Edinburgh, IN
    Date: February 12, 2026
    Jason, Chig - my deepest condolences. Your Dad was one heck of a guy. A great boss, in my 43 years in education I never worked with a better administrator. He was also a super neighbor, as you all were, and a very good friend. Just seeing his picture makes me think of so many good stories. I was always grateful that he got me out of a lot more scrapes than he ever got me into. Guys, our thoughts are with you. Rest easy my friend!
  7. Guest: Keely Thomas | Grove City
    Date: February 12, 2026
    My prayer and condolences to the family on Mr. Atkinson’s passing. Yes, remember him as our Asst Principal at Burris. Great smile and cared about the students. Appreciate his contribution to educational leadership!
  8. Guest: Bob Connell | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: February 12, 2026
    Sorry to hear about Brad. We were high school classmates and, later in life, colleagues. I cannot remember a time when he didn’t flash that smile. He was always friendly and presented with a positive attitude. RIP. Condolences to the family!
  9. Guest: Patty Cottengain | Orleans
    Date: February 12, 2026
    Pat, Amy, and family I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and condolences are with you.
  10. Guest: Sharon L Major | Sun City West. AZ
    Date: February 12, 2026
    On behalf of Brad's Classmates of the Mitchell High School Class of 1960, we send our sincere condolences to his family. Brad was a fun guy who we all enjoyed so much! At our age, we are losing too many of our classmates! God Bless you all.
  11. Guest: Kelly (Terrell) Trowbridge | Highland, IL
    Date: February 11, 2026
    Brad was my Mother Georgia Terrell favorite boss besides Tom Hardman, he was always good to me and always had a smile for everyone. Prayers for the family.
  12. Guest: Valorie Fellers | Swansboro, NC
    Date: February 11, 2026
    So sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. He was always very kind supportive to myself and my daughter. Many prayers of peace for the ramily
  13. Guest: Greta Blackwell Ferraz | Naples, Florida
    Date: February 11, 2026
    I have great childhood memories of Mr. Atkinson at Mitchell Schools. My condolences to the family.
  14. Guest: Patricia Taflinger Luttrell | Bedford, In.
    Date: February 11, 2026
    So very sorry for your loss. Prayers ❤
  15. Guest: Paula Caudell | Mitchell, In
    Date: February 11, 2026
    So sorry to hear of Brads passing. He was a good boss to work under and loved the students. May all of his loved ones be comforted by Our Lord. Prayers for you all from here. With our deepest sympathy. Dan and Paula Caudell

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center