John “Atch” Ellis Atchison, 74, of Vero Beach, passed away on Jan. 5, 2016.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances (nee Fletcher); daughters Jennifer Merriman (Arthur) and Amy Swift (Charles); and grandchildren Alexandra Reardon (John), Gates Merriman (Julie), Elizabeth Kinkopf (Brendan), Thomas Swift and Charles Swift.
Atchison was a gifted athlete and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed golf, tennis, hunting, fishing, and boating, and took great pride in sharing these interests with his family and friends. With his quick wit and wry sense of humor, he loved to entertain with clever jokes and engaging stories.
A private burial service will be held in Michigan at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Every Dream Has A Place, attn: Homeless Veterans Project, P.O. Box 2241, Vero Beach, FL 32961 , Indian River Habitat for Humanity, 4580 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32967 or The Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach FL 32960.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.