COL Gordon Francis Atcheson, ARMY (Ret)

Gordon Francis Atcheson, “Gordy,” the second son of William Harold Atcheson of Toronto, Canada, and Eileen (Mitton) Donald of Rathjarney, Ireland, was born on March 15, 1947, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. He grew up in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, and Bethesda, Maryland. He received his B.S. degree from St. Mary’s University and his M.A. degree from Central Michigan University.

He served in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Airborne Ranger from 1966–1993, including two years in Vietnam, where he fought in the Battle of Hamburger Hill. Among his awards were two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart. He served almost exclusively in troop units in many locations, including Georgia, Texas, Colorado, Alaska, Kansas, the Pentagon, Korea, and Japan.

After retirement, he spent 20 years in Korea as a contractor for a battle simulation center. He later retired to Tennessee to be near his grandchildren. Gordy was married to Margaret Ann Falcon in 1972, and they remained married until his passing. He is survived by Margaret; their three sons, Ryan, Dean, and Cliff; and eleven grandchildren: Forrest, Malaya, Gabriel, Harmonee, Augustine, Milena, Guidance, Gordon, LaReina, Gavin, and Blessing.

His older brother, James, died in December 2023 of cancer, and his younger brother, John, was killed in an automobile accident by a drunk driver in 2020.

Gordon passed on April 18, 2026, from heart and lung disease. After cremation, his ashes will be placed at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West during his Celebration of Life.

He would like all his progeny to follow the lesson he learned from his father: always do the right thing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Please visit Gordon's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.