Daniel McKinley Atkins, 72

DOVER - Daniel McKinley Atkins, of Dover, departed this life on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at his residence. He was 72.

Daniel was born Sept. 24, 1935, in Townsend, to the late Harry Martin and Bessie Atkins Martin.

He attended and graduated from Delaware public schools.

Daniel later enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country and completed his term honorably.

After moving to Dover, and later in years, he became employed at General Foods, which later became Kraft Foods. He retired after 37 years of service.

Daniel was a very loving and giving person who enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed watching television.

Daniel leaves behind the sunshines of his life, his wife of 42 years, Johnetta Atkins; four children, Teresa (Pierre) Francois of Baltimore, and Michael Atkins (Gwenbray), Valerie McFadden and Angela Atkins, all of Dover; 10 grandchildren, Tyrone Mourning, Patrice Cain, Danielle Cain, Treymen Atkins, Jasmen Bray, Kemian Atkins and Kyra McFadden, all of Dover, and Dontea Francois, Paullen Francois and Louinise Francois, all of Baltimore; two great-grandchildren, Damire Cain and Tyrone Mourning Jr., both of Dover; a sister, Florence Martin of Dover; a sister-in-law, Onella Etheridge of North Carolina; brothers-in-law Roland Mourning and Harry Mourning, both of California, James Mourning of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Melvin Sylvester Mourning of North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover, where friends may call two hours prior.

A viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.