Melvin "Mel" J. Atkins, Jr.

December 30, 1960 - March 1, 2017

Melvin "Mel" J. Atkins, Jr., 56 of Zanesville, died, Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Genesis Hospital Emergency Department following a sudden illness. He was born Friday, December 30, 1960 in Zanesville, the son of Melvin L. “Boots” Atkins, Sr. and Martha "Jane" (Barr) Atkins. He married Lori (Roberts) Atkins on Friday, May 13, 1988. Mel was employed with Campbells Foodland for over 38 years, starting when he was 15. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed following The Ohio State Buckeyes and loved all sports. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, but was most proud of being a grandfather. In addition to his mother, Mel is survived by his wife Lori of the home; four children: Courtney Letts of Fredericktown; Curtis (Elyse) Atkins of Zanesville, Logan (Heidi) Atkins of Zanesville and Morgan (Zach) Ferguson of Zanesville; eight grandchildren: Sailor, Ty & Dawson Atkins, Kadin, Lexi & Ella Atkins and Gavin & Casen Ferguson; siblings: Cindy (Bill) James of Florida, Steve (Leigh Ann) Atkins of Zanesville and Mindy (Darin) DeLong; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his father, Mel was preceded in death by a son-in-law: Robert Letts and his mother & father-in-law: Gerald & Jenilee Roberts. Friends may call from 2:00 to 400 & 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville where funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, March 6, 2017 with Pastor Nehemiah Gaiters officiating. Burial will follow in Zanesville Memorial Park. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com