Robert W. "Bob" Atkinson

Robert W. “Bob” Atkinson, 85, of Dover, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice Truman House.

Born on June 2, 1941, in Akron, Ohio, Bob was the son of the late Ford Atkinson and Pauline Maybaugh Atkinson Harrold. He was also preceded in death by his son, Kevin Atkinson; son-in-law, Rick Swain and one nephew.

Bob retired in 1996 from Zimmer Biomet after 34 years of dedicated service as a manager. A prolific inventor with an extraordinary mind, he held more than 24 patents, primarily in the field of medical and surgical devices. His innovations focused on irrigation, lavage, suction, and skin graft equipment that improved patient care and surgical outcomes. Even outside of work, his inventive spirit shone through as he designed and built his own sound systems and speakers, installed home theater systems, and pursued woodworking projects with passion and precision. He was a member of Ruslin Hills Church and the Tuscarawas Lodge #59 F&AM in Dover, Bob enjoyed golf—still hitting the ball straight down the fairway at age 83—and bowling. Above all, he cherished his family, who remained the center of his world.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Clara Schupp Atkinson, whom he married on May 23, 1981; his children, Perry (Michele) Atkinson of Bolivar, Cindy Swain of Texas, and Jeff (Meghin) Atkinson of Ashland; his sisters, Connie (Gary) Wilson and Sherry (Don) Hamner, both of Navarre; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover, with Bob’s son, Jeff Atkinson, officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Private interment at Ohio Western Reserve will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or the Tuscarawas County Humane Society at 1432 Tall Timber Rd NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio.