Rev. Claude L. Atkins 71 of Oakland City, IN passed on Sunday October 23, 2005 at 8:50 P.M. at VNA Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville, In.

He was born on March 19, 1934 in Pike Co, IN to Steward and Nettie Emaline (Julian) Atkins.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents and sister and brother-in-law Lillie and Jackie Underwood.

He was a graduate of Oakland City University with a BS degree in Religious Studies and BS Degree in Elementary Education, he also was an Air Force Veteran during the Korean Conflict. And, member of Oakland City F.&A.M. Masonic Lodge # 467.

Claude served as Pastor for several churches in Southern Indiana for over 50 years: The General Baptist Churches of: St. Joe in Birdseye, Ind.; Bethlehem in Vincennes, Ind., Clark’s Chapel in Somerville, Ind., Scott Township in Evansville, In., South Friendship in Boonville, Ind., The Cumberland Presbyterian Churches Of: Knight’s Chapel in Oatsville, Ind. Monroe City ,Ind., Mt Olivet in Washington, Ind., The United Methodist Churches of: Merom UM. Fairbanks, Grayville, Kingsley, Sullivan, St Paul’s UM in Poseyville, Ind. and Chandler UM

Surviving is his wife of 52 years Barbara Gail Sauer. They were married on June 16, 1953.

Children : Carlotta ( Norm) Reynolds of Oakland City, IN, Vicky (Allen) Rumble of Carmel, IN, Claude Dennis Atkins of Manchester, KY, and Bill (Lori) Atkins and Mike (Monica) Atkins both of Oakland City, IN.

Brothers: Jack (Faye) Atkins of Petersburg, IN and Carl Atkins of Oakland City, IN.

Grandchildren: Christy (Brian) Lewis, Shala Rumble, Clint Rumble, of Evansville, IN, Luke (Melissa) Atkins of Petersburg, IN, Aaron Reynolds , Cory, Taylor, Damon, and Kalin Atkins of Oakland City, IN.

Great Grandchildren: Madeline and Luke Atkins of Petersburg, IN and Emma Lewis of Evansville, IN.

Several nieces and nephews, cousins, great nieces, and great nephews:

Funeral Services will be Thursday October 27, 2005 2:00 P.M. at the First Church Of The Nazarene in Oakland City, Rev. Darin D. Nossett, Dr. Douglas Low and Rev. Tony Phillips will be officiating. Burial will be in Montgomery Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel with a Masonic Memorial Services conducted on 7:00 P.M. Wednesday and visitation from 12:00 Noon until services on Thursday at the church.