Charles Atchison

Charles E. Atchison went into the arms of Jesus at home in Clifton, Colorado. He passed unexpectedly on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the age of 74.

He was born January 4, 1947, in Grand Junction, Colorado to William Albert Atchison and Blanche LaVerne (Kelly) Atchison. Charles graduated from Central High School in 1965 and attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colorado. A man of hard work and integrity he worked for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (1971 – 2006) starting as a ticket clerk then Yard Master. Upon retirement he received a “gold” watch after 35 years of service at the age of 59.

During his childhood years, the Atchison family lived throughout the west coast states and Colorado Rocky Mountains. During his youth he grew to love the great outdoors and logging with his father. The family settled in the Grand Valley in 1963 where Charles met the enduring love of his life and future wife Ida Thadine “Deanie” Whinery. Charles and Deanie married August 28, 1964, and remained in Clifton, Colorado for 57 years until his passing at home October 22, 2021. Together they raised two children and lived a prosperous and full life and his children blessed him with six grandchildren. He instilled a love for the word of God in his children and grandchildren. Charles laid out a spiritual foundation and lived throughout his life to always do the right things for his wife and family, to be a faithful and honest steward, a true friend and neighbor, and he was selfless to ensure he met the needs of all others.

As the eldest brother he provided guidance, stability, compassion, and endearment oftentimes with his own style of humor, laughter, a quick hug, and his infectious smile. As the firstborn Charles bonded with his father through logging and with his mother the love, honor and respect, as a son, for giving him life.

At the same time Charles had a successful career and then retired from the railroad he also owned numerous businesses located in Clifton, Colorado. Family, friends and business acquaintances fondly referred to his store as “Charlies Shop”. Throughout the years his shop evolved with numerous businesses that would come and go to meet the needs of the local growing community. To name a few: “Castle” miniature golf, bowling and game room; wintertime sportswear; animal feed store; fabric shop; donut shop; vehicle repair and sales; and others. Subsequently, he made room to have Sunday dinners with his family and play pool. Additionally, Charles had office space at his shop where he had a large collection of books and resources. Almost daily you could find Charles in his office late into the night reading or writing. He was a passionate seeker of critical knowledge through his studies of theology, religion, Biblical doctrines and traditions, and the inherent unknown. He led Bible studies and had countless and lively debates on theology, politics and life. Charles co-published books of which the most notable one was titled, Born in Sin, and wrote a timeline and diagram of the Bible.

Charles displayed his love and passion to his wife, two children and six grandchildren by owning not only his shop but also, numerous houses and orchards for their future will-being after his passing. As a trusted and dependable landlord, he would be called upon day or night, and during harvest time he would sell the fruits of his labor at his shop. Charles excelled in his mastery of logging throughout the Colorado Uncompahgre National Forest and Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains and the Grand Mesa National Forest with its striking terrain. He also logged in Wyoming and New Mexico. At Christmastime Charles would do selective logging and sell the trees at his shop. Over the decades as his family grew Charles with his wife, children and grandchildren would travel to sight see and visit family and friends. Places they experienced include:  Washington and Oregon beaches where he walked and played in the sand and swam in the Pacific Ocean; the giant majestic Redwoods along the Pacific Coast where he marveled at the age, beauty and size of the ancient trees; houses he lived in as a child in Oregon; the Seattle Underground in Pioneer Square (a humorous walking tour of the buried city); Victoria, British Columbia, Canada touring castles, gardens, museums, and the Legislative Assembly. In June 1983 Charles took his wife and teenage daughter and son to Florida JFK Space Center to witness the space shuttle “Challenger” lift-off (before his children would begin their own life journey). Charles and his family would camp annually atop Grand Mesa where he would blaze a trail through the forest so they could play croquet.

Charles was deeply loved and honored by his family and well respected by his friends and those he dealt with daily. He had a veracious appetite for life, inspired others and a marvelous witty sense of humor. He could turn the tide by his infectious smile and hearty laugh. And he collected stuffed animals. Charles will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind as he begins his walk with Jesus in the afterlife.

Charles is survived by his wife Deanie Atchison and mother Blanche LaVerne Locke, both of Clifton, Colorado. His daughter Jo Anne Marie (Melvin) McElroy and granddaughters Brianna (Jadin) and Beth all of Clifton, Colorado. His son Charles Edward Atchison, Jr (Diane) and four grandchildren Alexander, Nathaniel, Vashti, and Zaavan all of Grand Junction, Colorado. He is also survived by his siblings Evelyn Kay Atchison of Clifton, Colorado, Reverend John Albert (Marilyn) Atchison of Lowell, Arkansas, Gloria June (Frank) Atchison of Grand Junction, Colorado and half sister Gayle Atchison of Canton, Ohio. Charles was preceded in death by his father William Albert Atchison.

Memorial service will be held November 12, 2021, at 11:00 am at Clifton Assembly of God Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Plant a Tree” via brownscremantionservice.com floral store in memory of Charles Edward Atchison.