Spencer Henry Atkinson (1943-2015) was born on June 20, 1943 to William and Pearl Atkinson in Malad Idaho. He was the third child of seven and only surviving son. He attended school in Samaria, Idaho until the 8th grade and then went to high school in Malad, graduating in 1961. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission from 1963-1965. Upon returning home, he continued his education at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He studied Dairy Science and Biology and also received his teaching certificate, which he used to teach for a short time in Pocatello, Idaho. It was while he was attending Utah State that he met and married Sharon Reading. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on June 23, 1967. After a short time spent in Pocatello, they returned to Samaria. They added to their family beginning in 1969 when their daughter Paula was born. Following in quick succession were twins, Doug and Bill in 1970, and another set of twins, Dee and Alan in 1971. Seven years later Phillip was born and their family was complete. Spencer was a dairy farmer for nearly all of his life, and also kept busy with community service. He served on the Oneida School Board, the Water Board, and the Television Translator Board. He also served as a counselor in two bishoprics and as a high councilor, but his favorite calling was as a home teacher. In his later years, he served happily in the Logan Temple. He passed away suddenly March 23, 2015 at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pearl (Jones) Atkinson, his brother Dee Marvin Atkinson, brothers-in-law Garry Patterson and Gerald John. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Reading Atkinson; his daughter Paula (Wyatt) Zohner of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his sons: Douglas (Kathy) Atkinson of Samaria, Idaho; William (VeAnn) Atkinson of Logan, Utah; Dee (Jodi) Atkinson of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Alan (Andrea) Atkinson of Preston, Idaho; and Phillip (Stacy) Atkinson of West Jordan, Utah; his sisters: Wilma (Grant) Williams, Doris John, Helen (Brent) Bastian, Gae (David) Kimberling and Donna Patterson. Friends may visit the family at Horsley’s Funeral Home from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. Funeral services will be at the Malad 2nd Ward Building, 20 S. 100 W. at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at the Samaria Cemetery.