Loman Elwood Atkin Obituary (1933 - 2022)

Loman Atkin, a Brother, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, & friend to many, peacefully passed through the Pearly Gate, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022. Loman was born December 11, 1933 in the "old" Porterville Hospital. At 13 years of age, he discovered his first love of his life: Ham Radio!! He passed his technician test and was licensed shortly after with receiving his Ham radio call sign of-K6CRD. Eventually he passed & got his extra class: W6NM. With his passing, his "key" is now silent. At 17 years old, he chose to join the Navy as an Electronics Technician. He chose this so he would have warm food and a cot at night and not have to crawl on his belly. Following 3 1/2 years of service, he became active in the Aerospace Industry. The aerospace company would contract with the U.S. Government and hire electronic engineers among others to fill the contract. Loman worked on many of their programs. The one he frequently discussed was the Apollo program. Loman personally knew (and was close friends with) Astronauts Grissom, White and Chaffee. He said they were "very intelligent, and treated others with respect & as equals". Loman had deep, heart-felt grief on 1/27/1967, when those astronauts were suddenly burned in the space ship, on the launch pad. The week prior to Loman going to heaven, he talked to his hospital doctor about his Apollo experience. In 1978, he bought a 2-way radio business with the name Sierra Mobile Radio in which he was the owner/operator. He closed it and retired in 1995. Along his journey he married Betty Swofford, and they had a daughter, Debbie who was the "apple of his eye". After 8 years, due to unforeseen circumstances, they went their own separate ways. After seven years passed, he met and married Wilma Saens. Their son, Frank was born 2 days before Loman's 34th birthday. Following four years of marriage they decided to go their own separate ways as well. In 1974, he married Alta Buffington. They had 2 sons: Christopher and Jonathan. Loman deeply loved his four children. He loved to play with them and enjoyed a baby falling asleep while lying on his chest. His favorite time was having "potlucks" at the park or at cousins camp at Methuselah with dessert of homemade ice cream (his second love)!! His signature greeting was a very strong 'bear hug' to all his nieces and nephews! He deeply enjoyed going to our Mountain Ranch. He loved all the visiting, playing cards with nieces and grandkids, and pulling down all of the dead trees. His 3rd love was his relationship with his Lord. Going to church and joining in fellowship with his church family was one of his joys. Loman was preceded in death by his Father - Frank Ellis Atkin, Mother - Ardis Atkin-Carter, Brothers - Gilbert Atkin and Tommy Atkin. He is survived by his sister - Adrian Kever of Heber Springs AR, daughter Debbie (Steve) Evans of Spokane WA, sons Frank Atkin of Whittier CA, Christopher (Christine) Atkin of Ducor CA, Jonathan (Libby) Atkin of Tulare CA. Eight grandchildren: Aurora, Parker, Trinity, Hunter, Johnathon, Ava, Riley & Ainsley, and many beloved nieces and nephews.