John Arthur Atchinson

We first met John and Grace in Yuma AZ (2013?). I believe John and Grace were wintering in AZ and chasing racing with their good friend, Dale Fearneyhough. They were staying at Cocopah Casino across from Cocopah Raceway. We came to know John and Grace over the next 10 summers hanging out with them at Greentown IN and various racetracks (Gas City, Kokomo, Putnamville, Eldora, Anderson, Terre Haute, and many more). John loved racing, fixing things, talking with everyone and anyone, laughing, eating, helping people, sharing knowledge (and peanutbutter pie and cinnamon rolls), pinching a penny (happy hour at Steak and Shake, earlybird dinner at Fazolis), telling a good story, rolling down the road in that Kountry Coach (and honking that air horn when you least expected it), and we won't forget the other love of his life, Grace (married 60+ years). John was one of the best story tellers we've ever listened to. Some of the best were when he was young and growing up. How many houses did he and his Dad move? If we remember right, they were bought for “a song” and John said his Dad saw an opportunity to make some money. How in heaven's name do you move a whole house let alone 5+??! Then there's the story about raising hogs and feeding and watering them. This story was shared during one of Grace and John's stays at the Fairgrounds in Greentown, IN. We were there with our RV and Dale and John and Grace—following races. The Fairgrounds always has something going on, and there happened to be a hog show one weekend. John had me splitting a gut when he talked about his experience as a young man (teenage years?) feeding, watering, taking them to market, etc. The stories were endless (the youth group he took somewhere and their breakdown on the Mackinaw Bridge?!, Karaoke in FL, renting canoes in FL and avoiding alligators?!, snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, adventures at the Indianapolis 500, and one of my favorites from Grace was their first year in Europe when John was overseas in the service and the rental they lived in, the time he fixed Billy Jo's RV toilet in the parking lot at Greentown IN, convincing Duane to “use those jacks on that RV”, driving school bus, learning how to drink (and receive) more coffee in a restaurant (trade secret of his from an Uncle), Speedway frozen cokes (FREE! With their card and if you bought enough frozen cokes or coffee or tea—right Grace?)....a lifetime of stories. We have had the privilege of spending time with John and Grace these past summers listening and laughing and fellowshipping. John was a man of faith and believed in the Lord. He's home now...fixing things and having a good time waiting for a reunion with those he loves. Our prayers and thoughts are with Grace and Jim and David and all of his loved ones.

- Dan and Annette Estelle

John was a great man. He taught me a lot of things that I will never forget. My heart goes out to Grace and the rest of the family. He will be extremely missed.

- Anthony “Tony” Braat

We will miss you tons! Our prayers are you all! Loved all our holiday meals we shared with you and aunt Grace!

- Eric & Laura Crandle

Rest In Heaven Uncle John.

- Ginger Heller