Grayson County TXGenWeb

Herald Democrat
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Pg. A8

Van Alstyne - Autry Van Atkins, "Flop", 71, was born in Van Alstyne on Nov. 8, 1937 and passed away Feb. 8, 2009 at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in Sherman.
He was a longtime truck driver and worked as Santa Claus for many years.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Louise Atkins (Weese); parents, Johnny and Myrtle Atkins; sister, Frances Crawford; and brother Hopper Risener.
Survivors are his daughters, Tammy Weaver of Howe, Texas; Belinda and husband Laurentino Ramirez of DeLeon, Texas; Carla Esquivel of Bonham, Texas; and Sandy Miller of Bonham; son, John Atkins of Rusk, Texas; grandchildren, Ricky Record, Jessica Weaver, Brandy Miller, Lawrence and Alexsis Ramirez, Lauro Ramirez, Christina Ramirez, Sassy Ramirez, Elisa and D.J. Eaches, Rudy Esquivel, Denise Atkins and Zachary Miller; great-grandchildren, Tyler Record, Conner Record, Nathaniel Eaches, Devan Eaches, Alana Eaches and Kaidyne Esquivel; sisters, Mary Inge and Faye Patrick of Van Alstyne; Ruthy Pearson of Whitesboro; Betty and Jack Cothron of Houston, Texas; brother, Toad-Lurlene Risener of Whitesboro; several other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and more.
The family will meet for lunch at 432 W. Fulton in Van Alstyne at 12 noon Wednesday, Feb. 11. Graveside services will follow at 3 p.m. at Coffman Cemetery, south of the Truck Stop in Anna. Pallbearers will be nephews and grandsons.