Obituary of Joseph E. Atchison PhD

Joseph E. Atchison, PhD., of Sarasota, FL, a former longtime resident of Larchmont died March 17, 2014 at the age of 99. Born in Barnum, WV. Dr. Atchison received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering, from Louisiana State University in 1938, (where he first became interested in sugar cane bagasse), and an M.S. and a PhD in Pulp and Paper Technology, in 1940 and 1942 respectively, from The Institute of Paper Chemistry, in Appleton, Wisconsin. During WWII he served in the Pacific theaters where he received a Bronze Star. Later he was recognized for developing a system for firing mortars from LCI landing crafts. He retired as a Lt. Colonel. After the war, Joe went on to become chief of the Pulp and Paper branch of the Marshall Plan and VP for pulp and paper projects at Parsons & Whittemore Inc., a Rye Brook based paper co. He opened Joseph E. Atchison Consultants, Inc. in Larchmont in 1967. He had been very active in the TAPPI, having organized the TAPPI Non-wood Plant Fibers Committee in 1970 and heading the Committee for the first 12 years. Members have included leading industry personnel from all over the world, who are involved in non-wood plant fiber pulping. In recognition of his contributions to TAPPI and to the industry, he was the recipient of the Pulp Manufacture Division Award in 1974, became a TAPPI Fellow in 1978, was honored with the Leadership and Service Award of the Pulp Manufacturer Division in1990, and was honored with the prestigious TAPPI Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award in 1996, for his many contributions in the non-wood fiber pulping field. In October 1998, he was inducted into The Paper Industry International Hall of Fame, in Appleton WI and in early 1999 he was chosen "Man of The Quarter" by INPAPER INTERNATIONAL. In addition to his many professional achievements Joe was an avid bowler and champion tennis player. He was a member of the Larchmont Shore Club for 40 years. He is survived by his loving wife Betty Jean Atchison, his devoted daughter Leah and her husband Al Keuroghlian and his dedicated son Robert J. Cullen. He was pre deceased by his sons Kevin Cullen and Scott Atchison. Visiting Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the John J. Fox Funeral Home, Inc., in Larchmont. Funeral Service Friday 11:30 AM at Larchmont Avenue Presbyterian Church in Larchmont. Interment at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.