Bennie Joe Atchley
Aug. 26, 1926 Oct. 24, 2005
Passed peaceable, in Glasgow, Montana, where he and his wife of over fifty years, Shirley now live. He was one of ten boys and two girls of the late Charlie Alexander and Lillie Rebecca Atchley, who resided in Arvin over fifty years prior to their deaths. Bennie is survived by his youngest brother, Billie Ray Atchley of Bakersfield; sisters, Mary Durham of Bakersfield and Lillie Belle Cain Hines of Lamont; daughters, Deborah, Dianna, Denise; son, Douglas and their families. Ben was very proud of his record in the U.S. Army Paratroopers. His brother, Charlie, joined the Navy out of Bakersfield High and Ben signed up immediately. He was turned down as too underweight, 135 lbs. and needing thick glasses. They walked over to the Army enlistment desk and asked, How do I look to you? He was told, Youre standing arent you? When he said yes they said youll do. He never talked much about any action, but he had many ribbons. It seems those type were pretty quiet. His biggest saying, A 135 lb. body and a 150-200 pack will get them all. His unit did make a number of jumps behind enemy lines. He reached the rank of First Sergeant and stayed in the Reserves after getting out and going to work for the Pacific Telephone Company. During the Korean War, he was called back up and reached the rank of Master Sergeant, in General Westmorelands group. Westmoreland was only a Captain or something, but Ben was very proud to be a part of a front leading group. He graduated from old KCUHS, Bakersfield High, attended Bakersfield College. His career spans 20 years with Pacific Telephone; 20 years as a local Farmers Insurance agent. He and Shirley first moved to Red Lodge Montana purchasing a KOA Campgrounds. Later, selling that and purchasing a motel in Iowa. Two years ago, they sold that and bought the Shady Rest RV Park, in Glasgow, MO. There will be a memorial service held on Friday, October 28th, in Glasgow. Legacy.com. NOTE: Burial is unknown and only for FindAGrave.