Sean David Atchley
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Sean David Atchley, 44, of Garden City, passed away on December 13 at his home surrounded by family.
Graveside service will be held 3:00 pm, Saturday, December 26 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Arrangements are by Warren-McElwain Mortuary. With social distancing in place, and masks being required, family and friends are welcome to stand near the graveside or listen to the service from their vehicles on the radio station 89.7 FM provided by Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Sean was born in Council Grove to William and Nancy (Bowen) Atchley on September 14, 1976. He attended school in Lawrence. Sean married Beth Hilbish on December 28, 2002 in Topeka. He graduated from Emporia State University with two bachelor’s degrees and nearly finished his master’s degree in education. Sean worked as a teacher for Garden City Public Schools for 10 years. Sean was involved in youth work with the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church. He received the Doc Wollen Award for work with campers at Camp Chippewa in 2020.
Sean is preceded in death by his father and grandparents.
Sean is survived by his wife, Beth; children, 13-year-old Joshua and 5-year-old Owen; mother, Nancy; sister, Rebecca; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bryan Weiss, Matthew Miller, Brandon LaBarge, Jeff Howle, Jeff Cunningham, Ron Whited, Russ Tidwell, and Lyle Sobba.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sean’s name to Camp Chippewa, 2577 Idaho Road, Ottawa, Kansas 66067 and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. The family of Sean wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our supportive friends and family, Dr. Thomas Hegarty of Heartland Cancer Center, and Hospice of Saint Catherine Hospital.
Deeply sorry for your loss. Sean was a great guy with a terrific sense of humor. Praying for you all.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. May your memories bring you comfort.
Nancy and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Though it’s been a while since we’ve seen one another, I remember how often you spoke of Sean and how close you were. I never met him in person, but I know he was a special person and well loved. His loss is no doubt felt well beyond the family circle.
Condolences to all.
Nancy-
So Sorry to hear of your son’s passing. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
I didn’t know Sean but wanted to reach out to add my condolence. His father married my husband (Phil) and myself in 1986 in North Lawrence. God bless
Nancy and the Atchley family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Sean. He was such an awesome young man and I enjoyed watching him grown up and his special gift of interacting with the youth at Centenary. I pray that you all know that those around you are praying for peace and healing and know that your new guardian angel has his arms wrapped tightly around each and everyone of you.
Atchley Family, my dearest condolences.
Mr. Atchley was my social studies teacher for 3 years in high school and he was one of the best teacher I’ve ever had. He taught me more then just about social studies, he taught me to care for others and to always see the brighter side of life. He always had a smile even on days where you could tell soemthing wasn’t right. He always cared about his students and always did what he could to make sure every student in his class had what they needed to succeed. One of my favorite memories was planning spirit week and he dressed up in his throwback clothes for the pictures and also painting him a yoda picture because he didn’t have one for his classroom. He will be missed by many. Fly high Mr. Atchley ❤
Nancy and Family, Holding you all in prayers. We grieve with friends in common throughout the UM Conference for you and your family. Pastor (Ret.) Nick & Elizabeth Woods