Herman Atchley

Herman L. Atchley went to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family Thursday morning, January 5,2012 in a Fort Smith hospital. Herman was born May 3, 1926 in Parks, Arkansas to the late Thomas Jefferson Atchley and Bertha L.(Bockmon) Atchley. Herman was 85 years, 8 months, and 2 days old. Herman was a member of the Keener Freewill Baptist Church and served as a deacon. He was just a young man when he joined the United States Army. While serving his country he had the opportunity to be stationed in the Phillipines and in Korea. During his six years of service, he won the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, AP Theater Ribbon, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. In his years after military life, Herman had a vast variety of careers and positions to which he was quite known for in the community including being a barber for 10 years and owning Waldron Auto Parts. This is where his love of people and talking with others came in handy while hanging out with his buddies, Frankie and Charlie Newberry. He retired as a businessman and rancher. Herman was also a man of many hobbies such as dominoes, hunting, coaching little league and he loved working with kids and rodeo. Herman was most proud of his wife and family. He married the love of his life on June 3, 1944 in Waldron, Arkansas. His love for his family was second to none. He was exceptionally proud of his children and grandchildren. Herman leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 67 years, Ivadale Atchley of the home; two daughters, Rita Gibson of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Sharon Espinoza of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two grandsons, Todd Van DeWiele and wife Toni of Waldron, Arkansas, Ramon Espinoza and wife Kandace of Wister, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind five great grandchildren, Tristan and Taylor VanDeWiele both of Waldron, Arkansas, Kadance Lea, Sadie Grace, and Rylie Jean Espinoza all of Wister, Oklahoma and one sister, Peggy Fryar and husband Odell Fryar of Little Rock, Arkansas. Herman was preceded in death in addition to his parents by one brother, Thurman Atchley and a sister, Eloise Atchley. Herman's celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 9,2012 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve McLain, Rev. Brad Kuhl, and Rev. Billy Harwell officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery near Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Herman's pallbearers will be Ramon Espinoza, Todd VanDeWiele, Brad Fryar, Wes Terhune, Bruce Simpkins, and Jim Lee. His honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Nichols, Odell Fryar, Henry Bell Thompson, Clyde Hawkins, and Stanley Brewer. Herman's visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home where his family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m..