Myron Atkinson was born on September 22, 1927, in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was educated at Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck Junior College in 1947. He also attended the University of North Dakota, and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. He participated in Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Kappa Psi, and band. He received his law degree from UND in 1951, and was involved in the professional law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta. During the Korean War, Atkinson entered the US Army. He enlisted at Bismarck on January 7, 1952, and separated as a 1st Lieutenant on June 30, 1954.

Atkinson was a prominent attorney and realtor and played an active part in Bismarck civic affairs. He served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 32nd District from 1969 to 1976, was a member of the Republican National Committee, and chairman of the North Dakota State Republican party. He was the president of the Atkinson Co., and a member of the Elks, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus.

Atkinson married Marjory L. Barth in 1951 and they had seven children.