Graveside Services for David Gene Atchley will be at 9:00 am Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145 (918) 627-0220 with reception after the service in the Memorial Park Cemetery Family Center from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm.

David Gene Atchley was born Wednesday, January 6, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Earsel Vivian and Vira Hood Hyatt Atchley, and died Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

David graduated in 1954 from East High School in Kansas City, Missouri. At just 17 years of age, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Coast Guard. From 1954 to 1958, he served as a Radarman aboard the Chautauqua, CG-83362, GC-83387. He was stationed in Port Isabel, Texas, and Hawaii, and was deployed to Midway Island and Japan. He continued his commitment in the Coast Guard reserves until 1962.

David married the love of his early life, Ruth Carol Hurst, on June 27, 1958. Together they built a family and shared 26 years of marriage until Carol’s passing on November 25, 1984. They were blessed with three children: Angela, Mark, and Julie. David later married Patti Woolsey Steinsiek in 1987, remaining by her side until her death in 2002. On June 14, 2003, he married Laura Lamb, with whom he shared the blessings of companionship, faith, and family for more than two decades.

David graduated from Finley Electrical College in 1960 and enjoyed a successful career as an electrical engineer, working for Wellex in Abilene, Texas, and later for Nelson Electric and Klockner Moeller in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He approached his work with the same integrity, diligence, and professionalism that defined every aspect of his life.

For many years, David faithfully attended East Tulsa Church of God, where he developed lifelong friendships and strengthened his faith. It was there that he met his best friend, Frank Moore. Together, David and Frank spent countless hours teasing friends, family members, and anyone who happened to be within range of their good-natured humor, including Pastor Bob McCray. David often credited Pastor McCray with leading him to Christ and changing the course of his life.

Those who knew David will remember him as a good, honest, hardworking man with an infectious smile and quick wit. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel comfortable, whether they were longtime friends, family members, cashiers, salesclerks, or complete strangers. Following the heartbreaking loss of his wife Carol, David carried forward with strength, determination, and humor, helping his children navigate life with love and encouragement. Even in the final days of his life, he continued to tease and joke, bringing smiles to the faces of family, friends, and caregivers alike.

David’s heart was generous, and his values were clear. He taught his children the importance of honesty, hard work, kindness, and finding joy in life’s everyday moments. Though he was never fond of traveling, he made sure his family enjoyed summer vacations together year after year. In his younger days, he and his brother Darrell shared a love of flying airplanes. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and taking his wife and children along for the ride. Later in life, one of his favorite places was in his recliner, television remote in hand, with Ginger on his lap, watching his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs, golf, or Wheel of Fortune, and talking or FaceTiming with his beloved family. He also enjoyed reading his collection of 130 Louis L’Amour books and working crossword puzzles.

One of David’s greatest joys was being “Papaw” to his seven grandchildren. For many years, he helped create a treasured gathering place known as “Papaw’s Cabin,” located next door to his brother Darrell’s cabin near Fort Gibson Lake. There, children, grandchildren, and cousins spent countless hours riding four-wheelers and go-karts, fishing, exploring the woods, and creating memories filled with laughter and love. Those moments together became part of a lasting family legacy that will be cherished for generations.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Earsel Vivian Atchley and Vira Hood Hyatt Atchley; his brother, Darrell Earsel Atchley; his sister, Joyce Vivian Atchley Brown; and his parents-in-law, Rita and Kenneth Lamb of Ardmore, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Lamb Atchley; daughter, Angela Gail Stull and husband Kevin; son, Mark Alan Atchley and wife Amy; and daughter, Julie Rene Robinson. He also leaves behind his seven cherished grandchildren: Daniel Stull, Joshua Stull (Kiona), Noah Stull; Diana Elsner (Robby), Becca Atchley, Jenna Moore (Justin); and Grant Robinson (Emily), and his constant companion, Ginger (Chihuahua), along with many extended family members and friends who will forever treasure his love, wisdom, laughter, and example.

David’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, generosity, and joy. He loved deeply, laughed often, worked hard, and left the world better than he found it. His family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the countless lives he touched.

The family wishes to thank Cross Timbers Hospice, especially Brandy, Heather, Sarah, Shelly, and Dr. Dale Anderson for their compassionate care of David throughout his brief illness. They also wish to thank his loving caregivers, Kim Wright, Christia Biggers, Angelia Wheeler, Dana Norton, Ella Ward, and Denise Taulton.

In place of flowers, you may donate to Cross Timbers Hospice, 207 C Street NW, Ardmore, OK 73401, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, or a charity of your choice.