Ronald 'Ronnie' Duane Atchison

Ronald “Ronnie” Duane Atchison, son of the late Emerson Edmund and Bertha Belle (Shores) Atchison, was born on December 20, 1953 in Davenport, Iowa and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 19, 2013 at his home in Norwood, Missouri, following an illness. He was 59 years, 9 months, and 29 days of age.


Ronnie lived in Davenport until the age of three, when his parents moved to a farm near Hartville, Missouri. He went to school at Hartville through the 7th grade. His family then moved to Norwood, Missouri. Ronnie then attended school at Norwood and graduated with the class of 1972. He then went to the Blue Bonnet School of Cosmetology in Springfield, Missouri. After finishing cosmetology school, Ronnie started working as a cosmetologist in 1973. This served as his profession for over 40 years.


Ronnie was united in marriage to Janet Lea Vonallmen on August 13, 1977 and they made their home in Norwood. Three children were born to this union. Ronnie was a devoted family man and was loved and respected as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.


Ronnie was saved in the spring of 1963 at the Peace Valley Church which was later renamed Victory Hill. He was a long-time member of Union Grove/Caudle Church where he was attending at the time of his passing. Ronnie loved Jesus more than anything and made that evident throughout his life. He had a great passion for lost souls. He attended and served as a counselor for Camp Joy for 19 years. Ronnie and his wife, Janet, were leaders in the church serving in numerous capacities, some of which included youth ministry, teaching Sunday School, leading the song services, Sunday School Superintendent, and Director of Vacation Bible School.


Ronnie was also an intricate part of the Norwood community. He was involved in Farmer’s Day, Betterment Club, Housing Committee, Senior Dinners, and even served as City Mayor for several years. Ronnie was also an active supporter of the Norwood Schools. He participated in Alumni Banquets and Band and Sports Booster Clubs.


Ronnie loved life and enjoyed family vacations, fishing with the kids, playing games with family and friends, singing, and gospel concerts. He will forever be remembered for his kindness and dedication to his community and friends and his deep love for family and God.


Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 36 years: Janet Atchison, of the home; two sons: Duane Atchison and wife, Mary, of Norwood and Roman Atchison and wife, Jenifer, of Elk Creek, Missouri; one daughter: LeAnn Rogers and husband, Stacy, of West Plains, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and a thirteenth due very soon: Trinity, Leviticus, Christian, Charity, Carman, Sebastian, Woodroe, Montgomery, Rosabelle, Keegan, Rachel, and Kennah; two brothers: Eddie Atchison of Mtn. Grove and Johnny Atchison and wife, Karolyn, of Omaha, Arkansas; numerous other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.

Memorial Contributions:
Oak Forest Cemetery, Three Rivers Hospice, Union Grove Caudle Church, and American Kidney Association c/o the funeral home.