Howard Eugene Atchley passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, surrounded by his loving family and his beloved dog, Ginger.

Howard was born December 3, 1938, in Charter Oak, Missouri where his family farmed cotton. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959. While in the service, he was stationed in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he met the love of his life, Rose. Howard and Rose were married 63 years, spending years in Minnesota and Georgia before moving to Grand Junction in 2010.

Howard was an exceptionally loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family and friends were the most important things in his life, and he never hesitated to let them know how much he loved them.

Throughout his life he had multiple jobs, but the highlight of his career was opening a successful medical supply store with his wife in 1985. He and Rose sold the business and retired in 2002 to spend more time with their children and grandchildren and travel.

Howard enjoyed being an amateur (ham) radio operator for many decades. He loved spending time on the radio and talking to people from all over the world. He became a member of the Mesa County Search and Rescue communications team, where he turned his hobby into a way of helping others. Howard cherished his time spent at the Fruita Senior Center, his weekly pinochle games and frequent breakfast and lunch dates with his dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose M. Atchley; parents, Chester Atchley and Mamie Etta Crutchfield, and sisters, Janotra Huerner and Wanda Myers.

Howard is survived by daughters, Debbie Reaves (Ken), Jodie Atchley (Julie), Nicole Holloman (Mark), and Diana Kelly (Larry); grandchildren, Chandler Atchley, and Dara and Ella Holloman; brother, Kenneth Atchley (Judy), and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary on March 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.

Memorials may be made in Howard's name to HopeWest Hospice.