Joseph E. Atchison, “Papaw Joe”, 79, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
He was born in Butler County, Kentucky, to the late Eugene and Maudie (Lindsey) Atchison and grew up in Patronville.
Joe worked at Whirlpool, drove a semi for both George Transfer and CRST, and was a farmer and homebuilder in Spencer County. While driving, he was a two-time recipient of the Million Miles Safe Driver Award.
Joe once served on the Spencer County Planning Commission. Two of his most prized accomplishments were establishing a Ten Commandments Sign located across from South Spencer High School and serving as the Building Manager for the new Free Zion Church located in Reo. He enjoyed attending Free Zion with his wife, Sharon, where he has served as trustee, Sunday school teacher and Sunday school superintendent. He enjoyed working outside with his hands and was an avid gardener (everyone enjoyed the watermelons, tomatoes and turnips Joe raised).
Joe was married to Sharon (Bennett) for almost 60 years and together they raised their daughters. He was very proud of all his children and the great work ethic he and Sharon instilled in them. He had a special love for all his grandchildren and enjoyed telling them stories and giving them 4-wheeler, tractor, and homemade train rides.
Joe is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughters, Sherri (Dee) Bell of Chrisney, Donna (Bill) Barclay and Rita (Todd) Daming of Richland, Carrie Atchison (Keith Taylor) of Dayton, Ohio, and Ashton (Nick) Bickett of Whitesville, Kentucky; his beloved grandchildren, Trisha (Dana) Dancer, Sean Chalk, BJ Gunn, David (Danielle) Gunn, Amanda (Jody) Benson, Jake Barclay, Keith Barclay, Tyler Daming, Kyle Atchison, Nick (Amanda) Claise, Christeen Campbell, Lexi Tucker, Gabe Bickett and Reid Bickett; great-grandchildren, Courtney Dancer, Abby Curtis, Alana Dancer, Sophia Dancer; Gigi Dancer, Alyssa Chalk, Ares Chalk, Ryan (Madison) Gunn, Thomas Gunn, Sabella Gunn, Aleck Gunn, Andrew Gunn, Kali Jo Gunn, Jordan Hughes, McKenzie Benson and Holden Campbell; his great-great-granddaughter, Charlotte Fields; his brothers, Roger (Pat) Atchison of Rockport, Eugene (Edna) Atchison of Inverness, Florida and Clay (Laura) Atchison of Owensboro, Kentucky; his sister, Gusty Bartlomey of Minier, Illinois; and many extended family members.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ora, Jackie and Carl Atchison; his sisters, Ruby Morgan and Margie Burden; and his great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Stella Gunn.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 1 at 11 a.m. at Free Zion Church in Reo, with Pastor Josh Dimmett officiating. Burial will be at Hackleman Cemetery in Rockport.
The family will accept visitors at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport on Monday, November 30 from 4-8 p.m. and from 9-11 a.m. at Free Zion prior to services.
Masks will be required at all proceedings. Memorial contributions can be made to Free Zion Church or Hackleman Cemetery. Friends unable to attend may send a condolence to the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
