Michael Shannon Atkinson, 61, passed away unexpectedly last weekend. He was born at Epworth Hospital in Liberal, KS on December 19, 1960, the son of William R. “Bill” Atkinson and Meredith Lynn (Burton) Atkinson. He graduated from Liberal High School in 1979 and from the University of Kansas in 1984 with degrees in Environmental Design and Architecture.

After graduating from KU, he worked as an architect in Phoenix, AZ; Aspen, CO; and Carmel, CA where he worked for the renowned California architect, George Brook-Kothlow. It was while working in Carmel that the debilitating illness schizophrenia began to overwhelm Mike’s life. Mike fought a long and courageous battle with schizophrenia. Although it derailed many of his dreams and goals in life, he continued to develop forward thinking architectural drawings inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and George Brook-Kothlow.

Mike grew up playing practically every competitive sport available in Liberal. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and traveling with the family and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at KU. He will be remembered as a talented and gifted architect, a standout athlete, and most of all, as a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his brother Brad Atkinson and wife Pam of Cary, NC, and their children Blake and Elise; and his cousins Steve Dodson and wife Samantha of La Grange, OR, and Alan Boyd of Los Angeles, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lynn Atkinson.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service is planned in the future.

Memorials may be sent to the Southwest Guidance Center in Liberal, KS, whose staff provided Mike with many years of great friendship and support, in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd. St., Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas