Support Larry & Kay After Barn Fire Loss

Libby said it best… our family has experienced many losses over the years. Maybe they prepared us for this one, but it does not feel that way.

This GoFundMe Page has been set up by the children of Larry and Kay Atkinson at the request of the many who have inquired about how they can support our parents and family in this time of the great loss of their barn, livestock -- three dear horses, a flock of chickens and four beloved cats, as well all the contents inside.

Two days ago, Tuesday January 28, 2025, around 1:35 pm, our mom was preparing to go to the barn to let the horses outside for some fresh air and exercise but discovered smoke billowing from the eaves of the barn. After calling 911 she and my dad rushed to try to get the horses out but were met with a wall of suffocating smoke and were unable to enter at all.

Seven (as far as we know) fire departments valiantly responded and controlled the fire to prevent it from spreading to the house. We want to publicly thank, the Mexico, Ringgold, Richland, New Haven, Parish, and Hastings Volunteer Fire Departments as well as NOCA – our local ambulance service for their quick response.

Praise God with us… no people or vehicles were taken by the fire. The ruins and hay are still smoldering, and nails and debris are still scattered across the driveway causing their Airbnb small business (hosted in their home) to be closed for now.

Our family has made innumerable sweet memories in this barn for over 48 years. It has been a place where many members of our community have come to play, learn, ride horses, participate in the care of their cattle, and build memories of sweet fellowship with our family.

The barn was built by our father, Larry Atkinson, with many family friends lending a helping hand. It started as a place to house our mom’s horse, a family cow and various tools and small equipment; eventually our parents modified it and operated a Jersey dairy farm. We learned so much inside this barn. We learned to take responsibility for the care and nurture of large and small animals; we learned to work hard, together, towards goals; and we played together with our friends.

The cattle were sold in 1994 and in ensuing years our barn has been transformed in size and shape to house horses and family pets; my dad’s wood shop, his machine shop and a farm office, all often used to custom make and fix parts for friends, family and community members. Three beloved horses - Cheyenne, Classy and Macy; four adored cats – Ace, Figgy, Callie and Thalia, and many chickens all died in the fire.

All funds donated go directly to Larry and Kay Atkinson, this is simply set up by their children. They will use the funds to aid in the cleanup of the barn.