Acheson, RJ 1cc

RJ Acheson, 89, died June 9, 2016, in Missouri Veterans’ Home, after a long illness. He was born in Springfield on April 8, 1927, to Ralph and Angie (Newton) Acheson.

In 1945, RJ was eager to join the war effort. Although he was only 17, he told the Navy he was 18 and he was sent to work on the USS Hyman during the WWII campaign in the Pacific. As part of the Task Unit 96.15.1, a military government unit, he traveled to Kusaie Island. On Sept. 8, 1945, Lt. General Harada of the Imperial Japanese Army signed the surrender documents aboard the USS Hyman, officially turning over his garrison of some 4,000 soldiers. RJ witnessed the surrender and signing.

RJ married Helen Simpson on Oct. 9, 1948. They were married 67 years.

For many years, RJ and Helen ran the Acheson Drive-In and the Park Hotel in El Dorado Springs. They retired to Stockton. They attended the Stockton Church of Christ.

After an incurable injury to his hip, RJ moved to the Missouri Veterans’ Home where he received excellent care and was a favorite of the staff who enjoyed his witty sense of humor and corny jokes.

RJ is survived by his faithful wife, Helen, and their four children – Jill Uptegrove and Lorri Terry of El Dorado Springs, Julie Acheson of Aurora and Jim Acheson and his wife, Michelle, of Hollister as well as his beloved sister, Joann Aton, of Springfield. RJ especially loved his nine grandchildren and his many great-grand children.

A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 18, in Brumbeck Funeral Home, 306 S. High St., Stockton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 N. Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.

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