Russell Eugene Atchison (89) of Louisville

Russell Eugene Atchison, 89, of Louisville passed away peacefully at 6:28 pm Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Clay County Hospital in Flora.

Russell was born on February, 9, 1934 in Louisville, the son of Andie L. and Arline (Rockhold) Atchison. Raised in the tight-knit community of Louisville, Russell's early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse known as Union Center, from which he graduated in 1948. He was part of the first freshman class to attend the newly built North Clay High School in 1952, an experience that shaped his future and set the foundation for his life's journey. Some of Russell’s proudest achievements was serving his country in the US Army, he was drafted in 1953, but was inducted into the service the day the treaty was signed n Korea. He spent a year in training in Fort Chaffee and then he was sent to Korea and then Japan before he was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon graduating high school, Russell moved to Geneva, Illinois, where he began his career in the manufacturing sector. His life took a turn when he was drafted into the US Army a year later. After returning from his service, Russell continued his professional journey at Dunbar in Geneva, where he manufactured airplane parts. When Dunbar closed, he relocated to California, where he continued his career in the same industry, becoming a supervisor until his retirement. Despite the changes and challenges, Russell remained steadfast and committed, demonstrating his resilience and dedication. Russell's life was not all work, though. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in fishing and hunting. His love for the outdoors took him on many adventures, including memorable fishing trips to the Colorado River with his friend Hal. Russell also had a knack for pool and participated in numerous tournaments, showcasing his skill and competitive spirit. Russell was also very passionate about helping with activities with the Louisville American Legion, and assisted on many funeral detail honors for other fallen veterans. He would also take other veterans to their VA appointments when they didn’t have anyone else that could take them. Russell was a member of the Louisville American Legion Post 914 and the Batavia Overseas VFW Post 1197 in Batavia, Illinois. Russell was an avid North Clay sports fan having attended all the high school sporting events that he could, he would attend with his good friends Schuyler Wiley, his brother Bill Atchison, they were known to the students and even after they graduated, they would come up and talk with Russell. Family was the cornerstone of Russell's life.

He was the beloved father of Cynthia June Neu of Garden Grove, CA, Patricia Dawn (Brian) Fuller of Lawrence, KS, and Craig Eugene Atchison of Huntington Beach, CA. Russell was a cherished grandfather to six grandchildren and a great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren. He is survived by his three sisters, Ruth Bissey and Sue Doyle, both of Arthur, IL, and Mary (Frank) Ellison of Sullivan, IL. Russell's family extended beyond his immediate kin as he was loved and respected by many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law: Perry Neu; four brothers: Arnold, Bill, Bob, and Ray Atchison; one sister: Iva Louise Moats.

Funeral services to celebrate Russell’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, October, 9, 2023 at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Pastor Kelly Carruthers officiating. Burial with military graveside honors will follow at the Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday where friends may call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Russell’s memory to the Louisville American Legion Post 914. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Russell, please visit by clicking here.