Devon Lance Atkinson Obituary (1959 - 2020)

Sunday morning, June 14, 2020, Devon Lance Atkinson of Bloomington, Illinois, went home to Heaven with Jesus. Devon was born September 20, 1959, in Bloomington, to Max & Juanita (Jones) Atkinson. He grew up on his family farm in Geff, Illinois. He graduated from Geff Grade School, Fairfield Communitiy High School, and University of Illinois with a degree in Agriculture Education. Recently, he volunteered at Bromenn Hospital. He enjoyed farming, and worked with Vaughan family farms in Fairfield and Kieser family farms in McLean County. He taught at Fairfield Community High School, where he was also assistant baseball coach and FFA advisor. In memory of Devon, his FFA officers have established a scholarship for Fairfield Community High School students who are going into an Agriculture or vocational program following high school. His FFA students affectionately called him "Big A." Contributions may be sent to: FCHS Foundation Big A Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Derek Smothers 22 County Road 2025 East Barnhill, IL 62809 He married Rene Schwoerer, June 6, 1981, in Normal, IL. He is survived by his wife, Rene, and son Reilly Lance Atkinson. Also, honorary son Derek (Kim) Smothers, and their sons Dalton, Austin, & Devon Smothers of Barnhill, IL. Devon is survived by his 2 sisters, Debra Anderson of Geff, Diane Woodrow of Fairfield, and a brother, Dana Atkinson of Decatur. Bloomington relatives include father-in-law Robert Schwoerer, 3 brothers-in-law, Tom (Sue) Schwoerer, Steve (Kathy) Schwoerer, Jim (Sandy) Schwoerer, and a wonderful collection of nieces and nephews. Devon attended Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in rural Fairfield, and Carlock Mennonite Church. A private graveside service has been held in Bloomington, officiated by Pastor Doane Brubaker. A celebration of Devon's life is being planned for his birthday in September. Remembrances may be written online at carmodyflynn.com. Devon was a calm and gentle man. He greatly enjoyed being with people. He prayed for God's Light to shine through his life. His verse of Renewal is Joshua 1:9- "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest".