Dale W. Atkeson, 86, of Wichita, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. He was born Dec. 25, 1936, to Jesse and Adella Atkeson in Ashland, Kan.

Dale was a retired music teacher for 39 years in the Chase, Garfield, Macksville and Haysville school systems. Mr. A's students expressed that when they had no place in life, he gave them a place in the band.

Dale is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Dee Anne Proctor (Dan), Darise Fillmore (Mark), Daniel Atkeson (Wendy), and Donelle Rey (Del); 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Smith Mortuary-Haysville, 7031 S. Broadway, Haysville. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at First Christian Church, 7465 S. Meridian, Haysville. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.