Clifford Lee Atkerson, 66, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Cliff was born on April 21, 1953, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Paris Leon and Mary Ann (Sparks) Atkerson.  Cliff grew up in Russell, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1971.  He attended 2 years at the Salina Area Vocational School for auto mechanics.  He was married to Rita Dumler in 1973, and from this union they were blessed with 3 children Cristy Craig and Cindy.  Later, he and Rita were divorced.  He worked with his father and became the owner and operator of Leon's Tank Service.  He was a member of the Russell Masonic Blue Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite and a Shrine.  He loved working with the Shrine during ceremonial and shrine circus.  He enjoyed trap shooting and sporting clays with family and friends.  He also enjoyed going to local race tracks and helping out with his jeep.  He was also an avid gun, lego and hat collector.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and grandchildren.

Surviving family include his daughter Cristy Dinkel and husband Larry, son Craig Atkerson and wife Janae and grandchildren Rylee and Reanna Atkerson all of Hays, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cindy R. Atkerson and sister Lee Anne Emmons.

A celebration of Cliff's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, February 21, 2020, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.  A Masonic service will be performed at the mortuary the day of service.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Shriners Children's Hospital and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.