Don E. Atchason, 78, of Taylorville, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Moweaqua Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

Don was born November 27, 1945, in Decatur, the son of Paul E. and Louise (Spangler) Atchason.  He graduated from Lakeview High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.  Don also served in ROTC while in college.  He married Betty Jane Varnum on December 23, 1982, at the First United Methodist Church in Springfield.  They have enjoyed nearly 41 years of marriage.

Don owned the Scalare Pet Store for several years, before going into telecommunications sales for Motorola, and later Clearant, Inc. He was top salesman on several different occasions. Don was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church, having been a member at several different churches as he moved over the years. He enjoyed fishing and was a talented pianist and organist.

He was preceded in death by his parents; aunts and uncles; several cousins; and beloved cats, Pepsi and Oreo.

Don is survived by his wife, Betty Jane Atchason of Taylorville; children, David Atchason of Shelbyville, Sherry Atchason of Decatur, and Karin (Steve Estes) Atchason of Taylorville; grandchildren, Kyra, Isabella, Sebastian, Benjamin, Josh, Drew, and Zachary; several great grandchildren; many cousins; and fur babies, Mikey and Lora Lee.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville, with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000, or to Autism Speaks, PO Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Don, or to offer condolences to his family.