Clarence H. Atkins, 72, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, at 7:40 a.m. in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Ind.

Clarence was born Feb. 10, 1940, in Keith, W. Va. to Clennie and Marie (Secrist) Atkins. On July 2, 1960, he and Erma Peters were married in Sharon Springs, Kan. They shared 52 years together.

Originally from South Bend, he had lived in Warsaw for 42 years. He was the owner of Trading Gate Auto Sales for 25 years.

Clarence loved the Lord and was a member of Riverview Community Church in Tippecanoe, Ind. He was a compassionate, loving, giving and caring man who had a sense of humor. He was very supportive of his children and grandchildren and was a great grandpa. He enjoyed all forms of racing. He was a driver and supported his sons and grandsons as they raced. Clarence enjoyed watching TV. He followed Peyton and Eli Manning in their football careers.

Survivors include his wife; four daughters: Sandy (Phil) Grubbs, Warsaw; Sheila (Greg) Anderson, Bourbon, Ind; Renee Atkins, Warsaw; Sheri (Matt) Rapp of Claypool, Ind.; two sons: Clarence ‘Bimbo’ Atkins, Jr., Warsaw; Kevin (Krista) Atkins, Warsaw; 14 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother: Ron (Mary) Atkins, Warsaw; five sisters:  Katherine Smith, Granger, Ind.; Karen (Sam) Pyburn; Juanita (Tom) Myers, Mishawaka, Ind.; Bessie (Carlton) Fielder, Mishawaka; Dolly Blocher, Mishawaka.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Adron Atkins and Charles Atkins.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, in Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, in the funeral home. Pastor Rod Ruberg of Riverview Community Church, Tippecanoe, will officiate.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

The family has asked that gifts in memory of Clarence be designated to Erma Atkins and will be used to defray medical expenses. Please send gifts c/o Titus Funeral Home, P.O. Box 705, Warsaw, IN 46581-0705.