John “John John” William Atkinson IV was the first baby born in the new year in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on January 1, 2004. He passed away at his residence in Bernie, Missouri on November 10, 2021, at the age of 17.
John was a senior at Bernie Senior High School and spent his entire school career there. He was an honor roll student and a member of SR Beta. He recently spent the summer working his first job at the Bernie School.
John formerly ran his own YouTube Channel “Comedian Bacon” and he always made his family laugh. He was an avid Star Wars fan, and loved Marvel movies, having recently watched the newly released “Eternals” on November 9th, with a group of friends. He loved Cobra Kai, Stranger Things, and the original show The Wonder Years.
John attended Liberty Hill Church since 2013 and volunteered with running the cameras. He committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized on October 4, 2015. He was preparing to do the Missouri Special Olympics Polar Plunge, in February. He was a long-time supporter of the Special Olympics, and this would have been his 10th plunge.
He is survived by his parents, John William Atkinson III and Courtney of Bernie; by his little brother, Rylan of the home in Bernie; by his big sister, Olivia of Dexter; and by his big brother, Caleb of Oklahoma. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, many aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and by the family dog, Gemma. John was a light in a dark world, and the world was a better place with him being in it.
In honor of John, donations may be made to the Missouri Special Olympics Polar Plunge, c/o the Belly Whoppers and John John Atkinson, 1625 N Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 63701.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday, November 15, 2021, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Funeral services will then be conducted on in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel in Dexter on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Bernie Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
