Reverend Dr. Kenneth Atchison

Pastor Ken, 67, died on Friday, November 1, 2024, with his family by his side.

Ken was born on September 25, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Owen Hendrix Atchison and Doris Woollard Atchison Rapp. He was the beloved husband of Darby; father of Michael (Carley) Atchison and Bethany (Jeff) Eckstein; grandfather of Elias, Toby, and Gabriella Atchison and Annabelle Eckstein; brother of Dianne (Steve) Adams; son-in-law of Garry (Bev) Haun and the late Becky Haun; uncle of Sean, Kathryn, Angela, Colleen, Melanie, Rachel, and the late Alison, Alyssa, and Justin; and great-uncle of Aiden.

Ken attended Vandalia-Butler High School and Cincinnati Bible College. He earned a Master of Divinity at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry in Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching at Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary.

Ken had a 45-year career as an American Baptist pastor, beginning with youth ministry positions at ABC-Ohio churches in Wyoming, Bethel, and Franklin, where he met and married Darby, his wife of 42 years.

After living briefly in the Chicago area, where he worked and attended seminary, Ken and Darby were delighted to return to Cincinnati in 1983 to begin ministry at Kenwood Baptist Church. There he served in a variety of roles including youth pastor, associate pastor, and business administrator. In 1995, Ken planted and pastored KingsWay Community Church. He finished his career with twelve years of service to Mt. Washington Baptist Church and was honored as Pastor Emeritus at the time of his retirement in July 2022.

Ken was a gifted preacher and Bible teacher, and he led countless people to Christ. He had a true heart for Jesus and a deep love for others, ministering to them in their most significant and vulnerable moments.

For most of his career, he volunteered a week of each summer to disciple kids and youth at ABC-Ohio church camps. His gentle guitar playing provided the soundtrack for many, many campfires.

Ken was a lifelong blood donor, giving a total of 178 pints to Hoxworth Blood Center. He ran two to four miles every morning, praying for his loved ones with each step. His whole life was characterized by acts of service, kindness, friendship, and compassion.

He was the best husband, dad, and “GoGo” that his grateful family could ever imagine.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Mt. Washington Baptist Church in Cincinnati. The family will be receiving friends beginning at 8:30 AM. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Miamiville. Donations in Pastor Ken’s memory may be directed to ALS United of Ohio or to Mt. Washington Baptist Church.