Mike Atkinson was born to humble beginnings on March 4, 1942 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was gutsy and courageous from an early age and cut his teeth as a young man breaking horses and riding bulls. Mike took his fighting spirit to McMurray University where he played football. While attending McMurray, he met Phyllis Atkinson, and his enduring love for her would shape his life forever. They married on December 22, 1964 and soon moved to the big city where Mike attended the University of Houston Law School. He began his legal career in criminal defense and then representing the Carpenter's Union, but he aspired to one day have his own law firm. After Mike began his legal career, he and Phyllis had two sons whom they adored. They soon began building their dream home on a remote parcel of land on what he was hoping would become Lake Conroe. One of Mike's happiest moments was moving to Montgomery County, Texas to raise his sons. Mike and Phyllis devoted their lives to their family and took the boys on many exciting adventures, including scuba diving, white water rafting, hunting, skiing, and deep sea fishing. Mike's sons ultimately followed in his footsteps and joined him in the practice of law at Atkinson and Associates. The three of them worked side by side until Mike could no longer make the trip to the office. Mike loved the practice of law and was a great advocate for his clients. His other passion was flying, and he would have flown every day if time had allowed. In his last days, Mike spoke of his beloved Phyllis often. His family finds great peace with thoughts of their reunion. Mike Atkinson was a commanding presence with a compassionate heart. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his son Doug Atkinson and wife Carolyn, son Brad Atkinson and wife Amy as well as five grandchildren, William, Michael, James, Emily, and Katie. The family would like to pay special tribute to Cynthia Combs who was companion to Mike in his final years. Cynthia and her family have been a tremendous source of love and support.

Services will be held December 6, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at Metcalf Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas. Family will receive friends Thursday December 5, 2013 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Metcalf Funeral Home.