DeLyal Benjamin "Bud" Atchison

If you were told that DeLyal Atchison passed into eternal life on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, your response would probably be, “I don’t think I knew him.” If you were told that Bud Atchison passed into eternal life on February 24, 2026, your response definitely would be, “Oh NO! Bud! He was an amazing guy! I knew him from the Star Lanes. He taught my whole family how to bowl.” A letter from Bud— “In the shadow of the Black Eagle stack, on January 25, 1937, I was welcomed into the Atchison family by my parents DeLyal and Amelia (Kralich), and my big sister Dolores. Later, Darryl, Dave and Diane joined the clan. I went to elementary school in Black Eagle and graduated with the class of 1956 from Great Falls Central High School. When I was a young guy, I married Marge. Before divorcing, we had 5 children together -- Cheri, Tawnee, Laurie and Robert (all deceased), and Mike (Tenlee). Cheri blessed me with grandchildren George, Daniel, Gina and Finley. Mike and Tenlee graced me with Dylen and Ashlee. I made a “temporary” move to Butte in the mid-1960s to work as a baker at Buttrey’s. I started to hang out at the bowling alley to pass the new bachelor time that I had on my hands. I drove a Rambler in the winter, and rode my bike to work in the summer. One day, I noticed a gal across the alley from my apartment, and thought she looked familiar. YES! She was a bowler—that’s where I saw her! I stepped out of my comfort zone and asked her to grab a bite after bowling. She said yes, and that was all it took to fall head over heels with Dolores Powell. She was from a small family, so when we married in 1969, I gained great parents-in-law (Elmer and Jean), a grandma that loved me like her own (Bridget), a sister and brother-in-law (Arlene and Hughie), and a niece and nephew (Geri and Dan). Little did I know the impact they would have on me for the rest of my life. Somehow, I got involved with youth bowling in Butte. This led to an eternal love of working with junior bowlers every Saturday for more years than I can remember. I’m so proud that my juniors have gone on to be excellent bowlers and fantastic human beings. Some families have given me the pleasure of working with generations of bowlers. Honestly, when they decided to name the Junior Ringing Ten Tournament “The Bud Atchison Junior Ringing Ten Tournament”, I was humbled and liked the celebrity! The last time I threw a bowling ball was to open the 2025 Bud Atchison Junior Ringing Ten in November, a few weeks after my Dee passed. I wish she was there to see the gutter balls I rolled that night! Kids couldn’t have all the fun, and as most of you know, I was a pretty good bowler myself. I bowled one 300-game in my life and was inducted into the Montana Bowling Hall of Fame. Dolores and I traveled to many national bowling tournaments. That was our enjoyment in life, and most of our vacations—Reno, Toledo, Mobile, some real hotspots. Friday nights were our “together” night to bowl, and for years we loved our bowling and loved doing it together. The hours of being a baker got old, so I branched out and became a welder. Many good times with co-workers at Stauffer Chemical over the years. When I heard rumblings of a statue that was to be built in Butte, I found out that they needed volunteers to weld the materials into that statue. I jumped in immediately and would spend hours after work at Roberts yard welding on The Lady. When she made that trip up the mountain 40 years ago, my heart burst with pride—I was a part of it. Pulling in some baker skills, I volunteered making pasties for the annual sale. I was so honored to be able to attend the 40th Anniversary Celebration in January and be recognized. I also met some very nice people that night. I could never sit still. Dolores always told me that I had Ants in my Pants and to sit down and relax. After retirement, I opened a little handyman business to fill time between the bowling alley and the golf course. I loved my cocker spaniels, my yard and my garage. But, the old body slows down and you have to give in. Dee and I moved to Big Sky Senior Living in 2024. The help and love we received there was second to none. My strong Catholic faith guided me throughout my life. For a while, I sang with the St. Ann’s Choir and liked to lend my voice at St. Mary’s Church before it closed. I prayed the Rosary daily, and God willing, I’ll be praying when I go home. 123 days isn’t a long time, unless you lose the one you love after 56 years of ups and downs. Jim, I hope I thanked you for all the breakfasts and rides and great conversation. Dennis, that was a really great Big Mac—thank you for indulging me after our many trips to doctor appointments. Geri, honey, I am so sorry I took you away from your business so many times, but I knew I was safe when you were with me. I love you and am so thankful for everything you do. Kyla, Hannah and Dax—thank you for keeping old Bud up to date on your bowling scores. I looked forward to hearing your tales every week. Mike, Diane and Dave, I cherished our calls and catching up with family news. It’s time to say, “I’ve had a wonderful life. I came in under the stack and I leave you underneath The Lady. Farewell my family and friends. I hear Dolores yelling, Bud! Where are you? I’m right here, dear, I’m right here.” Funeral Mass and internment of Ashes will take place this summer when Bud’s family is able to travel to Butte. Memorials in Bud’s name are preferred to the Butte Junior Bowling Association, c/o Ashleigh Preston or to Our Lady of the Rockies.

Tributes

DeLyal Benjamin "Bud" Atchison

February 25, 1937 - February 24, 2026