Delane Atchley

Delane Aaron Atchley “Clab”, 85, passed away January 8, 2021, in Weatherford, Texas. He was born October 19, 1935, in Upshur County, Texas, to Louis Atchley and Cecil White Atchley. Visitation: Wednesday, January 13, 6-8 PM, White’s Funeral Chapel, Springtown Funeral Service: Thursday, January 14, 2021, 10:00 AM, White’s Funeral Chapel Interment: Springtown Cemetery following the service. He was preceded in death by his one beloved brother, Louis Elwin Atchley and his parents. Delane’s family moved to Fort Worth from Union Grove in 1950 where Delane attended Northside and Lake Worth High Schools. After receiving his GED, he joined the Marines in 1954. On July 5, 1955, he married Marletta Jane Black in Fort Worth and they moved to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. After a tour in Korea, he left the Marines in 1957 and returned to Fort Worth where he joined the Fort Worth Fire Department. He reached the rank of Captain and served on the fire department for 37 years. He loved being a fireman and the comradery with the men. Delane also received his Bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University in Accounting in 1966 and was famous for preparing income taxes. He also ran cattle and cut and hauled hay. Delane was a long-time resident of Springtown where he was a constant presence in the stands during athletic events. He was awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the Springtown Booster Club in 2008. His love for the University of Texas Longhorns was epic, beginning when he was a little boy in East Texas and ending with over 50 years as a season ticket holder. Seeing the national championship game of 2005 in person was a cherished memory. He was also a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and his knowledge of the Bible was acute. In addition, Delane was known for having a very uncanny ability to remember dates and events that occurred many years ago and oftentimes he amazed family and friends with his skill. Survivors include his wife, Jane; children Holly Atchley; Robin Pennington and husband Leonard, all of Springtown; grandson Alfred Pawelek III “Trace” of Dallas; several nieces and nephews and many loving family members and friends. A sincere thanks is extended to the Retired Fire Fighters Association, the FWFD Honor Guard, and White’s Funeral Home for their help and consideration.