Lonnie J. Atchison
Lonnie Joe Atchison October 31, 1939 – May 27th, 2025
Lonnie Joe Atchison, age 85, of Ashland, Ohio, passed away on May 27th, 2025 in Mansfield, Ohio. Born on October 31, 1939, in Centralia, Illinois, Lonnie lived a life marked by service, wisdom, and humor.
After graduating from Ashland High School in 1957, at just 17 years old, Lonnie began basic training with the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country for four years. Upon completing his military service, he earned a degree in education from Ashland College. His love of history and people led him to teach at both New London and Mapleton Local Schools. In addition to teaching, he coached football at Mapleton.
Never one to settle, Lonnie pursued several paths throughout his life. He briefly ventured into business but found his true calling in corrections, working for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for 26 years. There, he focused on the education and psychological support of inmates, fiercely advocating for their rehabilitation and helping others find second chances.
Lonnie was a proud veteran and a longtime member of AMVETS Post 96, and an integral figure in the founding of the Ashland Youth Football League. His dedication to youth and community left a lasting legacy in Ashland County.
At his core, Lonnie was a teacher, coach, helper, and a lifelong learner. He was an avid reader, always ready with advice, a story, or a helping hand. His feisty spirit, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable to everyone he met.
He had a deep love for animals and a natural instinct to care for the vulnerable—whether it was a stray in need of a home or someone down on their luck. Lonnie was a quiet guardian for all things innocent, always stepping up with compassion and conviction when it mattered most. He was a patron for lost souls, offering light, dignity, and direction to those who had lost their way.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna K. Atchison; his children, Troy Atchison, Gail (Ron) Smith, and Lynn (Brian) Finley; his grandchildren, Timothy, Tyler (Jillena), Shane (Asia) Atchison, and Jessica, Amanda, Jacob, and Logan Finley; his great-grandchildren, Noah, Elijah, Everly, Annabelle, Aiden, Amelia, Alana, Aria, Abel, Archie, Zane, Wyatt and Vivian; and his brother, Larry (Helen) Atchison.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Muriel Atchison.
He truly lived a long, happy, and fulfilling life and will be deeply missed by many.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Reverend Jeff Messner presiding. The Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. A meal and time of fellowship will follow in the Legacy Room of the funeral home. Friends and family may visit on Friday evening, June 6, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Ashland County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, Fostering Families Ministries, or The Pregnancy Center of Ashland, OH.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.