Beloved husband, Dad and Poppa, Gill E. Atchison Sr., age 86, passed away on September 6, 2024 at his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas. He was born on April 21, 1938, on the family farm near Kirwin, Kansas.

Gill proudly served in the National Guard from 1955 to 1960 before going into the

US Army, serving from 1961 to 1963 much of which was spent in Germany.  Gill was a very patriotic person. His strong passion for America, which grew during his proud military service, continued throughout his life. Shortly after returning from the service he met the love of his life, Loretta Ross. They were married on August 22, 1964, celebrating their 60th anniversary just a few weeks ago.

Gill had a variety of careers during his lifetime. In the early years, he worked locally in commercial painting, managed two different service stations, was a certified diesel mechanic, and was subcontracted to deliver freight for EFD. He purchased Midland Auto Supply in 1974 and during this time served as President of both the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. Gill enjoyed running his fireworks business and looked forward to that season every year for many decades.

Gill later earned his certification in horticulture, opening the Westside Nursery & Lawn Service, which served the PBurg area for over eight years. Gill retired as a corrections officer at the Norton Correctional Facility. Throughout his life, Gill used his construction skills in many ways, including numerous projects for the community, family and friends. Over the years, he completely remodeled and added onto the family home that he and Loretta purchased in 1973.

Gill had various hobbies and interests, including bowling, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He looked forward to the annual rodeo and all the events that surround it. He coached little league baseball for many years. Gill was a long-time super-fan of KU basketball, but was torn between Chiefs and Broncos football, having children in both cities. Gill also came to enjoy game shows & general trivia, but was most passionate about history and more specifically military history.

Gill had a strong love for all animals. The Atchison household adopted many pets over the years, everything from the many mice, hamsters, birds, cats, dogs, to Gill surprising the family with a Shetland pony named Trigger.  In more recent years, Gill and Loretta rescued a white kitten they named Scooby, who was part of their family for 13 years. They also took-in a stray cat and nursed him back to health.  Gill spent many hours earning the trust of Skipper who eventually became the latest addition to the family.

Gill faced significant health issues, starting at a young age. He accepted life-long pains with his resilient spirit, living life to its fullest, never one to complain.

Gill loved spending time with his family. Some favorite memories were camping and tubing near Rep City, extended-family gatherings, road trips, and vacations. Much of the family celebrated Gill and Loretta's 30th anniversary together on a Caribbean cruise. As the family grew, many summer vacations were spent exploring the Colorado mountains. A few years back, Gill took Loretta to Nashville on a bus tour. Summer of 2023 was Gill's last family trip where he enjoyed relaxing in one of his favorite places, Branson, MO.

Gill is survived by his devoted wife, Loretta, and their children, Greg Atchison & wife Laura (Hapke) of Westminster, CO, Corrina Bazinet & husband Mark Bazinet of Lenexa, KS and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Atchison of Loveland, CO. Gill's legacy continues through his grandchildren whom he affectionately nicknamed, Thumper (Brenden Atchison), Snapper (Dalton Sprague), Squeaky (Alyssa & husband Patrick Hayes) and Scooter (Cody Sprague).  Gill also leaves several nieces and nephews and a beloved cat, Skipper.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gill E. Atchison Jr (Eddie); parents, Gill C. and Hazel (Moore) Atchison; his in-laws, Oscar and Elizabeth Ross; brother, Darrell D. and wife Pat Atchison; and beloved cat Scooby.

Cremation was chosen.  A memorial service will be held Monday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with Pastor Brad Fleck officiating. The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.  Burial will follow in the Kirwin Cemetery.

Memorial funds have been established to the Phillips County Hospital or to Wounded Warriors.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.